Staff or Sr Staff Attorney , Workers' Compensation

The Hartford•Brea, CA

22h•Remote

About The Position

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future. About The Hartford: With more than 200 years of experience, The Hartford has helped protect customers through challenging times with a focus on integrity and service-and has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies (multiple years). Our legal team plays a direct role in protecting that reputation by delivering thoughtful advocacy and principled outcomes. Role Summary As a Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney in The Hartford’s Workers’ Compensation group, you’ll own a California WC defense caseload end to end—partnering closely with claims professionals to set strategy, evaluate exposure, and drive thoughtful, timely resolutions. This is a role for a litigator who enjoys autonomy, values practical problem-solving, and wants the support and stability of an in-house practice while staying close to the courtroom when it counts. This role is primarily remote in the state of California except for required appearances. Why You’ll Love This Role Invested in your Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and development pathways are built so you can expand your skills and take on greater responsibility. Drive Case strategy and outcomes: Manage a WC caseload with meaningful autonomy—build the strategy, make the calls, and see matters through resolution. Litigation that keeps you sharp: Take depositions and appear before WCAB venues across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Van Nuys, and Oxnard (in-person for expedited hearings and trial). In-house partnership model: Collaborate closely with Claims Partners and advise insureds directly. Learn, grow, lead: Ongoing learning as a CLE provider, plus mentoring and regular coaching—ideal if you enjoy building depth in WC and helping others level up. Modern practice, modern tools: Leverage case management and approved technology—including progressive AI tools. Work from home day to day, with occasional in-person collaboration (approximately 2–4 times per year) and required appearances as the case demands. Total rewards you can feel: Medical, dental, vision, life; 401(k) with company match; Annual Incentive Bonus, paid holidays and paid time off; fitness reimbursement; reimbursed work-related travel/parking; company phone and standard internet reimbursement.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in California
Member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment. Target case load 95-100 files.
Professional, client-focused communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment (legal + claims).
Comfort working in a primarily remote environment and using technology to manage a paperless practice.
WCAB trial/hearing experience and strong deposition skills.
Experience drafting petitions for reconsideration and handling appeals.
Experience with LexisNexis (or similar) and litigation/case management systems.
Demonstrated interest in mentoring/training and contributing to process improvements.
Staff Attorney: 2+ years of legal practice experience, including experience handling California workers’ compensation matters or comparable experience.
Senior Staff Attorney: 5+ years of legal practice experience with significant, independent handling of complex California workers’ compensation cases or comparable experience. Trial/hearing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently handle all phases of California workers’ compensation defense, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, lien strategy, settlements, hearings and trial.
Develop and execute case strategy grounded in strong factual investigation, legal research, and practical risk evaluation.
Draft and argue motions, petitions for reconsideration, trial briefs, and (as needed) appellate briefs.
Prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trial/hearings/ADR proceedings; coordinate with experts and third-party vendors as needed.
Provide timely, clear legal advice to claims partners and insureds; communicate case status, recommendations, and valuation updates consistently.
Build and maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges/boards, and external partners while demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
Contribute to a learning culture by participating in team huddles, case roundtables, file reviews, and occasional training for attorneys and claims partners.
Stay current on changes in California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology; maintain continuing legal education as required.