Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

Overview

This role is for a Senior Counsel position on Complex Trial Teams in an insurance defense and trial advocacy practice. The position supports high-exposure and complex matters involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability. Office-based, hybrid, or remote work options may be available, with performance expected across locations.

Please note: An active bar license in the State of California is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex insurance defense trials and represent clients in high-exposure matters, including cases involving:
  • Catastrophic injury
  • Wrongful death
  • Property damage
  • Professional liability
• Develop and execute case strategies, including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
• Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters with clear legal guidance, case assessments, and updates on case developments
• Oversee all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
• Serve as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure high-quality work and compliance with best practices
• Collaborate with expert witnesses, including medical, forensic, engineering, and economic experts, to strengthen case arguments

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in California and eligibility to practice in federal courts
• 8+ years of experience in insurance defense litigation, with a strong focus on complex trial work
• Demonstrated success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases
• Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a large, demanding caseload with limited oversight
• Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
• Strong client relationship management skills and the ability to communicate complex legal strategies effectively
• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases preferred
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software
• Membership in local or national trial lawyer associations is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Annual billable hours bonus: $10,000 and then aggregating with $7,500 for every additional tier
• Health/vision/dental/life coverage: plans available at zero employee cost (average annual employer contribution is $700–$1,700)
• 401(k) program:
  • 100% match on the first 3% contributed
  • 50% match on the following 4–5%
• Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan (full-time attorneys after one year with the firm): $100–$200/month
• Paid parental leave at base pay
• Monthly technology reimbursement: $60

Additional benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Program through HealthAdvocate
• Comprehensive in-house training and leadership development opportunities
• Firm-provided CLE programs and paid bar license renewal fees
• Flexible vacation policy for attorneys
• Defined pathway to partnership
• Internal diversity and inclusion programs (including Women’s Initiative and Young Professionals Initiative)
• Firm-wide charitable giving program
• Numerous social and off-site events each year
• Flexible Work Model: remote, hybrid, or onsite options available

Location

Office-based, hybrid, or remote options available.

Pay Range

$160,000—$190,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics and other non-merit-based factors.

Notice to Applicants/Employees

The employer collects certain information about applicants/employees; applicants should refer to the firm’s policies for more information.