Overview
This role supports California workers’ compensation defense matters, representing policyholders from case inception through resolution. The position offers flexibility to work remotely from California, with occasional in-person appearances based on case needs.
Responsibilities
- Independently handle all phases of California workers’ compensation defense, including:
- Pleadings, discovery, depositions
- Lien strategy, settlements
- Hearings and trial
- Develop and execute case strategy using strong factual investigation, legal research, and practical risk evaluation.
- Draft and argue motions, petitions for reconsideration, trial briefs, and (as needed) appellate briefs.
- Prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trial/hearings/ADR proceedings.
- Coordinate with experts and third-party vendors as needed.
- Provide timely, clear legal advice to claims partners and insureds, including consistent communication of case status, recommendations, and valuation updates.
- Build and maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges/boards, and external partners while demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
- Support a learning culture through participation in team huddles, case roundtables, file reviews, and occasional training for attorneys and claims partners.
- Stay current on changes in California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology, and maintain continuing legal education as required.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in California and member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage a caseload of 100–115 active workers’ compensation files, including master and companion files.
- Professional, client-focused communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment (legal + claims).
- Comfort working in a primarily remote environment and using technology to manage a paperless practice.
- WCAB trial/hearing experience and strong deposition skills.
- Experience drafting petitions for reconsideration and handling appeals.
- Experience with LexisNexis (or similar) and litigation/case management systems.
- Demonstrated interest in mentoring/training and contributing to process improvements.
Experience
- Staff Attorney: 2+ years of legal practice experience, including experience handling California workers’ compensation matters or comparable experience.
- Senior Staff Attorney: 5+ years of legal practice experience with significant, independent handling of complex California workers’ compensation cases or comparable experience (trial/hearing experience preferred).
Compensation & Benefits
- Range: $118,800 - $198,600
- Competitive compensation plus an annual incentive bonus plan
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Employee discounts and additional voluntary benefits
- Company-provided equipment, internet reimbursement, and role-related expense reimbursements
Location
- Remote attorney role for applicants who reside in California.
- Coverage areas may include:
- Northern California (Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley)
- Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego)
Equal Opportunity
Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age