Staff Attorney - Construction Defect, California

Overview

This role involves providing high-quality and cost-effective legal defense for insured clients involved in construction defect claims. The position requires superior knowledge and expertise in the litigation process, particularly in construction defect litigation, and delivering excellent client service as part of a legal team. The role emphasizes independent, strategic, and proactive case handling with a focus on resolution management. The office location is in Roseville, CA, with an option to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate actively within a litigation team consisting of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff to ensure proper handling, legal strategy, and coverage of cases.
• Independently conduct trials, depositions, pre-trial discovery, mediations, arbitrations, or other legal activities necessary to resolve cases efficiently and effectively.
• Provide timely and accurate review, discussion, and recommendations on liability and damage issues, including settlement values, defensive tactics, and strategies in coordination with claims professionals and legal colleagues.
• Negotiate settlements directly with insureds, claimants, counsel, mediators, and courts.
• Deliver regular written status reports to claims professionals to keep them informed.
• Work with clients, claims professionals, underwriting, risk control, and other third parties to resolve legal issues.
• Stay informed about changes in law and court procedures.
• Assist in training and developing legal colleagues and claims professionals regarding case handling, legal strategy, and applicable law, including updates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of staff counsel operations and efficiency.
• Comply with ethical standards and continuing legal education requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California is required.
• Active license to practice law in other states is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years practicing law with substantial experience defending construction defect claims.
• Required trial experience.
• Prior in-house Property & Casualty insurance experience preferred.
• Experience with paperless file environments and Westlaw research preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Superior legal acumen.
• Master negotiation skills with the ability to influence effectively.
• Strong trial skills and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning abilities.
• Strong and persuasive legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), legal document management software, and Westlaw/Lexis.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with trial attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively about improving processes for insured representation.
• Decision-making skills to set work priorities and make recommendations.
• Ability to initiate, organize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
• Sense of urgency and responsiveness.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal work.
• Personal integrity and adherence to high professionalism and ethical standards.
• Willingness to travel 50% or more.

Working Conditions

• General office environment.
• Travel required at 50% or more.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $123,865.50 - $183,057.00 annually, determined by factors such as experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography, and market data.
• Annual incentive compensation.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Accident, critical illness, and short-term disability insurance.
• Retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Generous time-off program.
• Programs supporting employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure complies with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.

Location

• Roseville, California (with remote work option).