Sr Staff Attorney- Construction Defect

Overview

This role is part of the in-house Staff Legal team and involves sophisticated litigation from early case assessment through trial. Responsibilities focus primarily on construction defect matters, with the possibility of handling some premises liability, products liability, general negligence, and auto tort defense.

This is a primarily remote position in California, with occasional in-person appearances as needed (approximately 2–4 times per year) and required in-person appearances depending on case demands.

Responsibilities

• Manage an inventory of construction defect files from inception through trial or other resolution.
• Handle defense of some premises, products, general negligence, and auto claims from inception through trial or other resolution (where applicable).
• Analyze substantive and procedural issues; conduct thorough legal research; and develop well-reasoned defense strategies.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, written discovery, dispositive motions, and briefs with minimal supervision.
• Take and defend depositions; work with experts; and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at trials, judicial hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other ADR proceedings.
• Provide timely, practical legal advice and liability/damages evaluations to Claims and insured partners.
• Communicate effectively with courts, opposing counsel, witnesses, and co-counsel consistent with office procedures.
• Drive prompt, efficient disposition of assigned cases while maintaining high quality and customer service.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Domicile and active license to practice in California, with ability to appear in applicable local state and federal courts.
• Member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• 7+ years of relevant litigation experience, including construction defect and insurance defense matters.
• Strong legal writing, research, and persuasive advocacy skills.
• Documented ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong familiarity with California courts and local practices.
• Highly organized and able to prioritize competing deadlines; comfortable working in a technology-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Documented first-chair jury trial and/or appellate experience.
• Experience handling premises liability, products liability, and commercial/personal automobile accident matters.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annualized base pay range: $132,400 - $198,600.
• Base pay may vary based on performance, proficiency, and demonstration of competencies required for the role, and may be above or below the listed range.
• Additional total compensation may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition.
• Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life; 401(k) with company match; annual incentive bonus; paid holidays; paid time off; fitness reimbursement; reimbursed work-related travel/parking; company phone and standard internet reimbursement.

Location

• Remote role with periodic travel within California.
• Applicants must reside in California.
• This role is primarily remote in the State of California, except for occasional in-person appearances as needed.