Overview
A law firm specializing in insurance defense is seeking a Senior Counsel with expertise in Law & Motion and Appellate Advocacy. This role involves drafting and arguing dispositive motions, managing appellate cases from inception to resolution, and collaborating with litigation teams to develop effective defense strategies. The position requires a California Bar license and offers opportunities to work on high-stakes cases that influence precedent and trial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, draft, and argue various motions including motions to dismiss, summary judgments, and other pre-trial and post-trial motions
- Manage appellate cases including designating the record, drafting briefs, preparing petitions, and presenting oral arguments in state and federal courts
- Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support motion practice and appellate work
- Collaborate with trial teams to develop case strategies and prepare oppositions to motions
- Communicate with colleagues and clients regarding case developments and legal recommendations
- Manage case files, schedules, and electronic records to ensure all deadlines are met
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in California; eligibility to practice in federal courts preferred
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in insurance defense, law and motion, or appellate practice
- Proven success in drafting and arguing dispositive motions
- Experience managing appellate cases, including brief writing and oral argument
- Strong legal research skills with proficiency in Westlaw or LexisNexis
- Exceptional writing skills with attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively
- Familiarity with e-discovery tools and procedures
- Prior experience in insurance defense or related fields preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- At least eight years of experience in law & motion and appellate practice
- Mastery of procedural and substantive law in insurance defense and complex civil litigation
- Demonstrated track record of winning dispositive motions and appeals
- Strong strategic thinking and persuasive legal writing skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $150,000 - $200,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
- Annual billable hours bonus starting at $10,000, with additional bonuses of $7,500 for each higher 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) for full-time attorneys after one year
- Paid parental leave at base pay
- Monthly technology reimbursement of $60
- Employee Assistance Program
- In-house training, leadership development, and firm-provided CLE programs
- 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 with remote, hybrid, or onsite options
Location
- California (California Bar license required)
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
- Pay range: $150,000—$200,000 USD annually
- California Bar license required