Sr. Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

Zurich is seeking a successful Sr. Workers’ Compensation Defense Trial Attorney. If you are ready for a career move, consider working for a company with a global footprint that offers an excellent work/life balance, reasonable billable hours, terrific benefits including a 401K match and a second 401K company contribution, flexible work options and a great culture.

This Attorney will be responsible for representing the Company in all phases of Workers’ Compensation litigation in Southern California. They will be practicing law in compliance with ethical standards as established by state law by preparing and defending moderate to high exposure Workers’ Compensation cases from a challenging and varied caseload.  Responsibilities will include working directly with claims professionals providing legal analysis and advice, preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents, performing legal research, preparing for and conducting pre-hearing discovery, preparing for and handling final hearings before workers compensation Administrative Law Judges, and conducting post-trial activities where appropriate.  Under limited direction, the attorney will work within broad limits and authority on complex assignments requiring specialized knowledge in breadth and/or depth in area of expertise.

At Zurich North America we acknowledge that work life-balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location, while facilitating in-person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. This position can be fully remote and the candidate will handle cases venued mostly in San Diego, while reporting to the team located in our Irvine, California staff legal office. The candidate selected must reside in and be licensed in the State of California.  While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in-office attendance, or necessary court appearances should be expected.  

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor and 7 or more years of experience in the Workers’ Compensation Litigation area
  AND
• Member in good standing of the California State Bar Association
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience working with Lexis or Westlaw
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Effective communication skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Collaboration skills
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. 

The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The proposed salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $190,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%. 

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Talent Referrals

Have you spoken to your network about opportunities at Zurich? Do you know people who have the ideal profile for this exciting role? We really appreciate your efforts to recommend Zurich to your family and friends. This is a sign of trust and of your sincere belief that Zurich is an employer of choice. Zurich North America has two separate and distinct talent referral programs in the US. To be eligible to receive a referral bonus award, and to ensure your referral is considered, it is very important that you submit your referral under the appropriate talent referral program.

Referral of Current Employees Only

If you have a referral that is a current Zurich employee that you believe would be a great fit for this role, please click here to submit your referred colleague's information. Your colleague will receive an invitation to apply for this position and you will receive a confirmation of receipt of your referral within 1-2 business days of the submission.

Referrals of External Talent Only through Refer-a-Friend Program

We value the external networks of our Zurich colleagues and encourage you to share Zurich opportunities with individuals whom you believe have the potential to be a great future Zurich colleague. Please click here to learn more about referring your friends and family to Zurich. If you have a referral that you think would be a great fit for Zurich, click the "Refer Friend to a Job" action on the job posting to submit your referral.

Please visit the HR Portal to review Zurich's US Talent Referral Award policy for more details on these programs.

As you explore internal opportunities, don't forget to review the MakeYourMove@Zurich resource available on Channel Z under the MyGrowth tab.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Location(s): AM - Irvine, AM - California Virtual Office

Remote Working: Yes

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No 

Hiring Manager Name: Alan Paik 

Recruiter Name: Kathy O'Brien

Job Level: 6T 

Division: Claims

Internal Referral Bonus: $500.00

External ​Referral Bonus: $2,500.00