Sr. Staff Legal Trail Attorney

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Irvine, CA

20d•$150,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich North America Claims is seeking a successful Liability Trial Attorney. This role is part of a hybrid work model that emphasizes flexibility, allowing employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location, including a home office, while facilitating in-person connections and collaborative activities. Occasional in-office attendance is expected, with the candidate reporting to the Irvine CA Office once per week. The company offers an excellent work/life balance, reasonable billable hours, an incentive plan, 401K match, flexible work options, summer hours, and a great culture.

Requirements

Juris Doctor and 5 or more years of experience in the Litigation area
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
Knowledge of the law and procedure
Demonstrated case analysis ability
Track record of proven trial and settlement skills
Ability to work independently without substantial supervision

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform duties encompassing all aspects of insurance defense, including initial investigation and legal analysis and advice, preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents, performing legal research, preparing for and conducting pre-trial discovery, preparing for and aggressively handling hearings and trials, and conducting post-trial activities where appropriate.
Achieve best outcomes for clients by demonstrating a high level of technical excellence in case handling, trial preparation and presentation for matters of moderate to high complexity.
Drive positive outcomes by correctly applying the law and legal trends, conducting legal analysis and research, preparing legal pleadings and documents, preparing for and managing pre-trial discovery, and participating in judicial or administrative hearings and trials.
Document case files by accurately capturing and updating relevant information in compliance with best practices.
Work to have a timely resolution to matters by collaborating with the claims adjuster, developing a case strategy and escalating issues as appropriate.
Ensure customer service to clients by proactively communicating information; responding to inquiries; and following customer protocols.
Determine and implement alternative dispute resolution techniques as appropriate, by using effective mediation and negotiation skills within authority limit.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, staying current with industry trends, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
Contribute to the team effort by accomplishing related results and collaborating on matters as needed.
Serve as a technical resource by providing guidance and/or mentoring lower level attorneys on legal strategies and use of tools and resources.
Ensure legal compliance by following state and federal laws and regulations.
Protect Zurich’s reputation by keeping claims information confidential.