Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation
About The Role
We’re looking for a Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney to join our California Workers’ Compensation group. This role offers autonomy, practical problem-solving, and the stability of an in-house practice.
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 grounded in 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; communicate case status, recommendations, and valuation updates consistently.
- Build and maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges/boards, and external partners while demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
- Contribute to a learning culture by participating 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; maintain continuing legal education as required.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in California.
- Member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment.
- Target case load 95-100 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.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life; 401(k) with company match;
- Annual Incentive Bonus;
- Paid holidays and paid time off;
- fitness reimbursement;
- reimbursed work-related travel/parking;
- company phone and standard internet reimbursement.
What You’ll Do
Independently handle all phases of California workers’ compensation defense, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, lien strategy, settlements, hearings and trial.
Develop and execute case strategy grounded in 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; communicate case status, recommendations, and valuation updates consistently.
Build and maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges/boards, and external partners while demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
Contribute to a learning culture by participating 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; maintain continuing legal education as required.