Staff or Sr Staff Attorney , Workers' Compensation

The Hartford•Los Angeles, CA

2d•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.

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.