Trial Attorney BI/UM

USAA•San Diego, CA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

USAA is seeking a Personal Injury Trial Attorney for its staff counsel law offices in San Diego or Irvine, California. The attorney represents USAA members, insured clients, and USAA entities in all phases of civil litigation and legal proceedings involving Property and Casualty covered losses. The work environment is flexible, with most work performed from a home office and at the staff counsel law office. Travel is required as needed for trials, hearings, depositions, and other case-related proceedings. Relocation assistance is not available. The attorney independently manages simple to moderate Property and Casualty insurance defense cases through arbitration, trial, and possible appeal, and may handle or assist with complex litigation. The role also provides legal advice, develops case strategies and budget projections, prepares legal documents, negotiates settlements, and helps train support staff and claims personnel. The attorney is expected to maintain current legal and technical knowledge and manage risks in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or four years of relevant education and/or experience.
Six years of experience practicing law and handling personal injury, civil litigation, or trial cases.
Licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction(s) to be served.
Experience practicing law in the court systems within the geographic area being served.
Ability to perform online legal research.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Six or more years of experience handling personal injury insurance defense cases in a staff counsel setting or at a law firm in California.
Formal first-chair jury trial experience, including verdicts, in Texas.
U.S. military experience in a related legal military occupational specialty: Navy Legalman (LN); Marines (4410, 4411, 4402, 4405); Army (27A); or Air Force (51JX / 5J0X1).

Responsibilities

Independently manage a caseload of simple to moderate Property and Casualty insurance defense cases through arbitration, trial, and possible appeal.
Handle and/or assist with complex litigation cases.
Appear in court as required, including for arbitrations, trials, and mediations.
Provide legal advice to clients and Property and Casualty Claims team members.
Develop legal strategies and ongoing budget projections for Claims Litigation and clients, as appropriate.
Prepare pleadings, motions, statements, memoranda, trial briefs, and other legal documents.
Conduct direct settlement negotiations with plaintiffs' attorneys.
Stay current on relevant statutes, case law, office technology, and trial-related technology.
Attend assigned courses to maintain appropriate trial skills.
Train support staff, Property and Casualty Claims, and Claims Litigation personnel regarding changes in law, litigation, and other processes.
Ensure business risks are identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.
Travel as needed to attend trials, hearings, depositions, or other case-related proceedings.