Legal Assistant I - Workers' Compensation

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office • Los Angeles, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney is seeking a Legal Assistant I for its Workers' Compensation Division. This division is responsible for defending the City against claims litigated before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs. The Subrogation Unit within this division investigates and processes cases where Workers' Compensation benefits and/or property damage have been paid due to the negligence of a third party. Legal Assistants provide comprehensive support to Division Attorneys and coordinate with the City’s Personnel Department claims examiners. The role involves overseeing and directing support staff in managing cases from inception to resolution, reviewing claims for eligibility and potential fraud, preparing cases for trial/appeal, coordinating depositions, arranging medical examinations, and reviewing awards for potential appeals or payment processing. This position requires significant interaction with the public, insurance companies, and various City departments.

Requirements

• At least six months of legal administrative experience which requires a thorough knowledge of legal procedures and terminology and independent judgment in analyzing, interpreting and reviewing legal documents.
• OR Successful completion of one Legal Assistant (Paralegal) class (equivalent to 3 units), which includes emphasis on legal procedures, terminology and the ability to use independent judgment in analyzing, interpreting and reviewing legal documents.
• Self-motivated, learns quickly, can exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work well with other employees of this office and personnel from other agencies, as well as members of the public.
• Proficient in the use of personal computer equipment.
• Ability to lift boxes (up to 25 lbs.) with or without accommodations.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.

Nice To Haves

• Experience administering workers’ compensation cases for an insurance company, a law firm, a self-insured private or public employer is desirable.
• Demonstrated writing skills.
• Proficiency on Microsoft Word and Westlaw.
• Experience in civil law, including workers’ compensation litigation.
• Experience in criminal/civil claims investigation, evaluation of property damage, personal injury claims, account recovery processing and recovery, and other related legal work is desired.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct support staff in preparing and managing cases from inception through final resolution.
• Review new and existing claims to determine eligibility and identify potential fraud.
• Prepare cases for trial and/or appeal.
• Coordinate and direct the scheduling of depositions.
• Arrange applicants’ medical examinations.
• Review awards issued by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and ADR Programs to assist in determining whether to pursue an appeal or process the award for payment.
• Perform telephone contact with members of the public, insurance companies, and various City departments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction.
• The City also contributes toward the employee’s retirement benefit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed