Overview
A national insurance defense and trial advocacy firm is seeking a Senior Counsel to join their Complex Trial Teams. This role involves leading high-exposure, complex insurance defense cases with a focus on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability. An active bar license in the State of California is required.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex trials as lead counsel in jury trials, bench trials, and mediations
- Develop and execute case strategies including risk assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation
- Provide clear legal advice and case updates to clients, insurance carriers, and adjusters
- Manage all stages of litigation including pleadings, discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and settlement negotiations
- Supervise and mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff
- Collaborate with expert witnesses such as 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
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in insurance defense litigation with a strong focus on 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 large caseload with limited oversight
- Exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills
- Strong client relationship management and communication skills
- Preferred background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability cases
- 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 to $190,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
- Annual billable hours bonus starting at $10,000, with additional bonuses of $7,500 for each subsequent tier
- Comprehensive benefits including health, vision, dental, and life coverage with average employer contribution between $700 and $1,700 annually
- 401(k) program with 100% match on the first 3% contributed and 50% match on the 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
- In-house training and leadership development opportunities
- Firm-provided 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
- Flexible work model: remote, hybrid, or onsite options available
Location
- Must hold an active California bar license
- Eligible to practice in federal courts
Note: This is a direct hire opportunity. No recruiters or agencies, please.