Staff / Senior Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation

Requisition: R2627046 — Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation (California, remote)

About the role

Join a growing California Workers' Compensation team where you'll have the flexibility of remote work, the support of an established national carrier, and the opportunity to build a long-term career with one of the industry's most respected legal organizations. The Hartford is investing in the growth of its Workers' Compensation legal team across California, offering a collaborative, high-performing environment where attorneys are empowered to do their best work while maintaining flexibility and balance.

• A Growing Legal Organization: Expanding Workers' Compensation practice with opportunities to contribute, develop expertise, and build long-term careers.
• Flexible Remote Work Environment: Work remotely day to day from California, with occasionally required in-person appearances based on case needs.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Culture: Team values collaboration, respect, inclusion, and professional excellence; direct access to experienced leaders, mentors, and colleagues.
• Resources That Support Success: Innovative legal technology, professional development opportunities, continuing legal education support, and a strong network of legal professionals.

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

Required for all levels:

• 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, in a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• 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.

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

• Competitive compensation, along with 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

Pay

Salary range: $118,800 – $198,600 (reflects ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience).

Location & Schedule

Remote role for candidates residing in California. Coverage areas may include Northern California (Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley) and Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego). Day-to-day remote work with occasionally required in-person appearances based on case needs.