Sr. Trial Attorney - In-House

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Glendale, CA

About The Position

Nationwide Trial Division is a national team of approximately 40 offices across six U.S. regions. Senior Trial Attorneys provide legal services to support Nationwide’s mission to protect people, businesses, and futures. They represent clients under commercial and personal lines insurance policies, independently as lead counsel or as part of a team. Caseloads typically include cases of varying complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations across courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdictions. The role requires a productive caseload and an organized, proactive approach to case management, with an emphasis on effective collaboration and technology. The attorney handles litigation with minimal managerial oversight, provides timely and well-supported case valuations, maintains professional relationships with legal and claims partners, communicates proactively, and mentors junior attorneys and staff. The position may be located in Los Angeles, with a hybrid or remote work option depending on location. No billable hours are required.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active license in the state where the position is located.
Typically more than eight years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
Significant experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation, including complex legal practices and procedures in courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.
Highly effective and professional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with staff and attorneys both onsite and remotely, and to mentor and serve as a role model.
Significant negotiation skills.
Ability to process information efficiently and effectively; excellent analytical and legal skills; and resourcefulness as a creative problem solver.
Computer proficiency, including a solid understanding of basic software, and ability to adapt to changes in law and legal technology, including electronic filings.
Strong time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to set work priorities, make recommendations, and initiate, prioritize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
Leadership skills for motivating, problem-solving, and strengthening and developing business relationships with colleagues, clients, and claims partners.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record under Nationwide standards.
Ability to meet credit and/or background check requirements as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Insurance defense experience in both personal lines and commercial lines cases.

Responsibilities

Handle matters as lead counsel or as part of a team, demonstrating trial advocacy skills and meeting Nationwide Trial Division standards, claims requirements, and client expectations.
Manage cases proactively and efficiently, maintaining work-product quality and a productive caseload with minimal managerial oversight.
Use technology and work collaboratively with support staff to support efficient case management.
Stay informed about changes to law, technology, local rules, procedural requirements, and the legal and insurance industries that may affect litigation strategies.
Apply relevant subject-matter expertise and trial advocacy skills in assigned concentrations, and develop additional concentrations as business needs require.
Provide factually, legally, and analytically sound case valuations; update them promptly and communicate them to clients and claims partners in a timely manner.
Build and maintain professional relationships with legal, claims, and industry colleagues, using those relationships to strengthen the Trial Division’s reputation and expand referral opportunities.
Communicate effectively and proactively with clients, claims partners, and internal teams, in writing and verbally.
Mentor and train junior attorneys and staff, serving as a role model in engagement, coaching, feedback, efficiency, attitude, and collaboration.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Follow private-practice-of-law policies, applicable state ethical rules, and corporate and Nationwide Trial Division policies and procedures.
Travel frequently, including occasional overnight travel, and work extended hours when needed to meet professional demands.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date
Nine paid holidays
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
Company-paid pension plan
Business casual attire