Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Insurance Defense

The Hartford • Brea, CA

19d • $118,800 - $198,600 • Remote

About The Position

The Hartford is hiring a California-based Staff or Senior Staff Attorney for its in-house Staff Legal team. The attorney handles a varied inventory of auto and general liability insurance-defense matters, from early case assessment through trial or other resolution, and partners closely with Claims while advising insureds directly. The role focuses on sophisticated litigation involving premises liability, products liability, construction-site accidents, general negligence, and commercial or personal automobile accidents.

This is primarily a remote position within California, with occasional in-person collaboration and court or other legal appearances as case and business needs require. The attorney leads assigned files, sets strategy, evaluates exposure, and drives efficient resolution. The practice uses case-management systems and approved technology, including AI tools. The Hartford provides ongoing training, mentorship, and development pathways.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Domicile in California and an active California license to practice, with the ability to appear in applicable local state and federal courts.
• Membership in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• For Staff Attorney: 3 years of relevant litigation experience, including insurance defense and complex tort matters.
• For Senior Staff Attorney: 7 years of relevant litigation experience, including insurance defense and complex tort matters.
• Strong legal writing, research, and persuasive advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong familiarity with Southern California courts and local practices.
• Highly organized and comfortable working in a technology-driven environment.
• Must reside in California to support business and court-related requirements; in-person legal appearances may be required throughout the state or within a reasonable commuting distance, depending on business needs and court requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Documented first-chair jury trial and/or appellate experience.
• Experience with premises liability, products liability, construction-site accidents, and commercial or personal automobile accidents.

Responsibilities

• Manage an inventory of diverse insurance-defense matters throughout California from inception through trial or other resolution.
• Analyze substantive and procedural issues, conduct legal research, and develop well-reasoned defense strategies.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, written discovery, dispositive motions, and briefs with minimal supervision.
• Take and defend depositions, work with experts, and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at trials, judicial hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Provide timely, practical legal advice and liability and damages evaluations to Claims and insured partners.
• Communicate effectively with courts, opposing counsel, witnesses, and co-counsel in accordance with office procedures.
• Drive prompt, efficient disposition of assigned cases while maintaining quality and customer service.
• Lead assigned files, set strategy early, evaluate exposure, and move cases toward resolution.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Annual Incentive Bonus and other potential rewards, including short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Reimbursement for work-related travel and parking.
• Company phone and standard internet reimbursement.
• Ongoing training, mentorship, and development pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree