Associate Attorney (Insurance Defense/Construction Defect)

About the role

The ideal candidate will possess 4 to 8+ years of insurance defense experience, with a heavy emphasis on handling complex construction defect claims (representing developers, general contractors, and subcontractors) or complex general liability matters. This role requires an attorney who can independently manage files from initial assignment through trial preparation or resolution, working collaboratively with carriers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and corporate clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management: Independently manage a diverse litigation caseload from intake through resolution, maintaining proactive communication with insurance adjusters, claims representatives, and corporate clients.
• Discovery & Depositions: Draft and respond to written discovery; prepare for, conduct, and defend depositions of plaintiffs, key witnesses, person-most-knowledgeable (PMK) corporate representatives, and expert witnesses.
• Motion Practice: Research complex legal issues and draft high-quality pleadings, substantive motions (e.g., Demurrers, Motions for Summary Judgment), and mediation briefs.
• Expert Coordination: Retain and collaborate with engineering experts, construction consultants, and safety professionals to build technically sound defense strategies.
• Site Inspections: Attend and oversee construction site inspections and destructive testing alongside experts when necessary.
• Appeals & ADR: Participate in trial preparation, early neutral evaluations, mandatory settlement conferences, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Reporting: Comply meticulously with insurance carrier guidelines, including drafting comprehensive initial case assessments, status reports, and evaluation letters.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensure: Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Experience: 4-8+ years of civil litigation experience, specifically focused on insurance defense and construction defect or complex general liability/premises liability defense.
• Technical Savvy: Proficiency with modern legal research platforms, document management systems, and billing software.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written advocacy skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical and liability theories clearly to clients, insurers, and panels.
• Autonomy: Strong time-management skills with the ability to maintain excellent productivity and billable goals while working in a remote or hybrid environment.