Senior Counsel (Complex Trial)

TL;DR

Senior Counsel (Complex Trial): Lead high-exposure insurance defense cases in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, property damage, and professional liability with an accent on trial strategy, risk assessment, and courtroom representation. Focus on developing and executing case strategies, managing full litigation lifecycle, and collaborating with experts and clients.

Location: San Diego, CA. Flexible work model: remote, hybrid, or onsite options available. Active bar license in the State of California required.

Salary: $160,000–$190,000 USD annually, plus billable hours bonus.

Company

Fast-growing national civil defense firm specializing in insurance defense and trial advocacy, known for landmark defense verdicts and innovative litigation approaches.

What you will do

• Lead complex trials as primary counsel in high-stakes insurance defense cases.
• Develop and execute comprehensive case strategies, including discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
• Advise clients and carriers on case assessments, risks, and developments.
• Manage all litigation stages from pleadings to settlement and trial.
• Mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, and staff while supervising caseloads.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses to build persuasive arguments.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school and active California bar license; federal court eligibility.
• 8+ years in insurance defense litigation with proven lead trial counsel experience in high-stakes cases.
• Strong expertise in civil procedure, tort law, insurance law, and trial strategies.
• Ability to manage demanding caseloads independently with excellent advocacy, writing, and negotiation skills.
• Superior client communication and relationship management.
• Experience with e-discovery tools and case management software.

Nice to have

• Background in catastrophic injury, construction defect, or professional liability.
• Membership in trial lawyer associations.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive health/vision/dental/life coverage with zero employee cost options and high employer contributions.
• 401(k) with 100% match on first 3% and 50% on next 4-5%.
• Student loan repayment or 529 plan ($100–$200/month after one year).
• Paid parental leave, flexible vacation, monthly tech reimbursement ($60).
• In-house training, CLE programs, paid bar fees, leadership development, and path to partnership.
• Diversity initiatives, EAP, social events, and flexible work model.