Overview
A national insurance defense law firm is seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Complex Trial Teams. This role involves leading high-exposure, complex insurance defense litigation with a focus on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability cases. The position requires an active California bar license and offers flexible work arrangements including remote, hybrid, or onsite options.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex trials as primary counsel in high-stakes insurance defense cases
- Develop and implement case strategies including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
- Advise clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters with clear legal guidance and case updates
- Manage all litigation phases: pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
- Represent clients effectively in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations
- Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure quality and compliance
- Collaborate with expert witnesses such as medical, forensic, engineering, and economic professionals 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
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in insurance defense litigation with significant complex trial work
- Proven success as lead trial counsel in multiple high-stakes cases
- Strong knowledge of civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies
- Ability to manage and prioritize a demanding caseload independently
- Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
- Effective client relationship management and communication of complex legal strategies
- Preferred experience in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases
- Familiarity 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 to $190,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Annual billable hours bonus starting at $10,000, with additional $7,500 increments for higher tiers
- Comprehensive benefits including health, vision, dental, and life insurance with employer contributions averaging $700-$1,700 annually
- 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3% contributed and 50% match on next 4-5%
- Student loan repayment assistance or 529 college savings plan ($100-$200/month) available to full-time attorneys after one year
- Paid parental leave at base pay
- Monthly technology reimbursement of $60
- Employee Assistance Program
- Firm-provided continuing legal education (CLE) programs and paid bar license renewal fees
- Flexible vacation policy
- Defined pathway to partnership
- Internal diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Firm-wide charitable giving program
- Social and off-site events throughout the year
Location
- Flexible work model: remote, hybrid, or onsite options available
- Must hold an active California bar license
Equal Opportunity
The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
Additional Information
- No recruiters or agencies please
- Pay range: $160,000–$190,000 USD annually