Workers Compensation Defense Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney to represent employer and carrier interests in California workers’ compensation matters before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) .

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of California workers’ compensation defense experience and be comfortable independently managing a caseload of indemnity and litigated claims. This position will be responsible for litigation strategy, case evaluation, settlement negotiations, WCAB appearances, and advising claims professionals and clients regarding exposure and resolution strategy.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong litigation, negotiation, writing, and oral advocacy skills, along with a thorough understanding of California workers’ compensation law and WCAB procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent employer and carrier interests in California workers’ compensation matters before the WCAB.
• Handle Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSCs), trials, expedited hearings, and other WCAB proceedings .
• Independently manage a caseload of litigated workers’ compensation claims from initial evaluation through resolution.
• Develop and execute effective litigation strategies in coordination with claims administrators, adjusters, and clients.
• Draft and file pleadings, petitions, points and authorities, discovery, and other WCAB-related legal documents.
• Review and analyze medical-legal reports, including QME and AME reports , and develop appropriate medical-legal strategies.
• Conduct depositions and cross-examine witnesses at trial.
• Evaluate liability, compensability, permanent disability, apportionment, medical treatment, and overall claim exposure.
• Negotiate settlements and draft Compromise & Release (C&R) agreements and Stipulated Awards .
• Advise claims staff and clients regarding claim exposure, reserve recommendations, settlement value, and litigation strategy.
• Evaluate Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) issues and coordinate with MSA vendors when necessary.
• Provide timely case status reports, evaluations, litigation budgets, and recommendations to claims management and third-party administrators (TPAs).
• Maintain accurate and organized case files while meeting internal reporting and file-handling requirements.
• Monitor developments in California workers’ compensation law, including Labor Code changes, WCAB decisions, and en banc decisions.
• Communicate effectively with clients, claims professionals, opposing counsel, medical providers, and other parties involved in the litigation process.

Qualifications

Required

• Active California State Bar membership and in good standing.
• 2+ years of experience defending California workers’ compensation claims.
• Experience working for a workers’ compensation defense firm, insurance defense firm, or in-house legal department.
• Strong working knowledge of California Labor Code, WCAB procedures, and workers’ compensation case law .
• Experience handling WCAB litigation, including MSCs, hearings, and trials.
• Deposition experience and the ability to conduct effective witness examinations.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a high-volume litigated caseload .
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize competing deadlines and case responsibilities.

Preferred

• Experience handling both indemnity and litigated workers’ compensation claims.
• Experience negotiating and preparing C&R and Stipulated Award agreements.
• Familiarity with Medicare Set-Aside issues and processes.
• Experience working directly with insurance carriers, TPAs, employers, and claims adjusters.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate claim exposure and provide practical recommendations for resolution.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for an attorney who can hit the ground running and independently manage a California workers’ compensation defense caseload. The ideal candidate is a strong advocate who understands both the legal and practical aspects of workers’ compensation claims and can provide clients and claims professionals with clear, timely, and strategic advice.

If you are an experienced California workers’ compensation defense attorney looking for an opportunity to take ownership of your caseload and make a meaningful impact for your clients, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.

CitiStaff Solutions, Inc.

Company Description

CitiStaff Solutions, Inc.