Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation

Overview

This role involves serving as a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney within a Workers’ Compensation legal team, managing a California workers’ compensation defense caseload from start to finish. The position requires close collaboration with claims professionals to develop strategy, assess exposure, and achieve timely resolutions. It offers a blend of autonomy and in-house support, with opportunities to engage in litigation including depositions and appearances before Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) venues. The role is primarily remote within California, with required in-person appearances.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage all phases of California workers’ compensation defense, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, lien strategy, settlements, hearings, and trials.
• Develop and implement case strategies based on factual investigation, legal research, and risk evaluation.
• Draft and argue motions, petitions for reconsideration, trial briefs, and appellate briefs as needed.
• Prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trials, hearings, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings; coordinate with experts and vendors.
• Provide timely and clear legal advice to claims partners and insureds, including case status updates and valuation recommendations.
• Maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges, boards, and external partners, demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and training sessions to contribute to a learning culture.
• Stay current on changes in California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology; fulfill continuing legal education requirements.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California.
• Good standing membership in the applicable Bar Association.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload of approximately 95-100 files, prioritize deadlines, and exercise sound judgment.
• Professional and client-focused communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment involving legal and claims teams.
• Comfortable working primarily remotely and using technology to manage a paperless practice.
• Experience with WCAB trials/hearings and strong deposition skills.
• Experience drafting petitions for reconsideration and handling appeals.
• Proficiency with LexisNexis or similar legal research tools and litigation/case management systems.
• Interest in mentoring, training, and contributing to process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• For Staff Attorney: Minimum of 2 years of legal practice experience, including handling California workers’ compensation matters or comparable experience.
• For Senior Staff Attorney: Minimum of 5 years of legal practice experience with significant independent handling of complex California workers’ compensation cases; trial and hearing experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base pay range: $118,800 - $198,600, depending on experience, performance, and competencies.
• Additional compensation may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and recognition programs.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid holidays and time off; fitness reimbursement; reimbursed work-related travel and parking; company phone; and standard internet reimbursement.

Location

• Applicants must be located within Los Angeles County, with a primary focus on Los Angeles, Van Nuys, and Marina Del Rey.
• The role requires occasional in-person appearances at WCAB venues across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Van Nuys, and Oxnard.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, color, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or age.