Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney

Full-Time | In-Office / Hybrid Considered Depending on Experience

We are a growing law firm seeking an experienced California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney to join our practice.

The ideal candidate is confident handling files independently, communicates well with clients and opposing counsel, is comfortable appearing before the WCAB, and can manage a caseload from assignment through resolution. We are looking for someone who is responsive, organized, practical, and able to provide thoughtful recommendations without unnecessary delay.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of California workers’ compensation defense matters from inception through settlement or trial.
• Analyze compensability, AOE/COE, injury, causation, apportionment, temporary disability, permanent disability, future medical care, and settlement exposure.
• Prepare case evaluations, litigation plans, status reports, and settlement recommendations for clients.
• Conduct and defend depositions of applicants, witnesses, and medical experts.
• Prepare for and appear at:
• • Mandatory Settlement Conferences
  • Status Conferences
  • Priority Conferences
  • Expedited Hearings
  • Trials
  • Lien Conferences and Lien Trials
• Handle discovery, including subpoenas, witness development, medical records, employment records, and investigative evidence.
• Work with QMEs and AMEs, including preparation of advocacy letters, supplemental-report requests, and cross-examination.
• Draft pleadings, trial briefs, petitions, objections, settlement documents, correspondence, and discovery.
• Evaluate and negotiate settlements, including Compromise & Release and Stipulations with Request for Award.
• Communicate regularly with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, employers, claims professionals, and other clients.
• Develop litigation strategy and proactively move files toward resolution.
• Maintain accurate calendaring and meet all reporting, appearance, and litigation deadlines.
• Work closely with legal assistants and support staff.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing of the California State Bar .
• Prior experience handling California workers’ compensation defense matters strongly preferred .
• Knowledge of California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedure, and EAMS.
• Strong deposition, hearing, negotiation, and legal-writing skills.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload.
• Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide timely and practical recommendations to clients.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.
• Professional, dependable, responsive, and organized.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an attorney who takes ownership of their files and does not simply react to what opposing counsel does. The right candidate should be able to identify the key issues early, develop a litigation strategy, follow through on discovery, communicate clearly with the client, and move cases efficiently toward resolution.

We value attorneys who exercise good judgment, are comfortable making recommendations, and understand that strong client communication is just as important as strong legal work.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience.

Salary range: $100k - $125k

Additional compensation or bonus structure may be available depending on experience and performance.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday.

Our office is located in Encino, California . A hybrid arrangement may be considered for an experienced attorney who can independently manage their caseload and meet all reporting and appearance obligations.

To Apply

Please submit:

• Résumé
• Brief description of your California workers’ compensation experience
• Approximate number of years handling workers’ compensation defense
• Salary expectations

Please also indicate your experience with applicant depositions, QME/AME depositions, trials, lien matters, settlement negotiations, and direct communication with insurance carriers or third-party administrators.

We are looking for a long-term attorney who is professional, dependable, responsive, and interested in becoming an important part of the firm.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about workers' compensation law, we’d love to hear from you!

Company Description

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about workers' compensation law, we’d love to hear from you!