Associate Attorney, Workers' Compensation

The Hartford; Brea (CA); Remote; USD 85,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford in California seeks an Assoc Staff Attorney to support defense of California workers' compensation matters in an in-house setting. The role offers remote work with required appearances and periodic travel within the Los Angeles area.

You will grow under mentorship, handle pleadings, depositions, and case strategy with senior staff, and gain hands-on litigation exposure in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active CA law license in good standing.
• Law internship or early-litigation experience.
• Familiarity with workers' compensation or insurance litigation.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with MS Office and legal tech tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in handling California workers' compensation defense matters under senior attorneys.
• Support case strategy through factual investigation, legal research, and file analysis.
• Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, and petitions with supervision.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, trials, and ADR proceedings.
• Communicate case status and legal analysis to Claims Partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with opposing counsel, WCAB staff, and external vendors.
• Participate in team huddles, file reviews, and strategy discussions.
• Maintain continuing legal education requirements and stay current on CA WC law.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Tools

MS Office Suite

Legal tech tools

Job description

Assoc Staff Attorney - LM08AE

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

For more than 200 years, The Hartford has helped protect customers through changing 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.

As an Associate Attorney in The Hartford's Workers' Compensation group, you will support the defense of California workers' compensation matters while developing the skills needed to independently manage cases over time. Working closely with experienced Staff and Senior Staff Attorneys, as well as Claims Partners, you'll gain hands-on litigation exposure, deepen your WC expertise, and build a strong foundation within an in-house legal practice. This role is ideal for an early career attorney seeking meaningful litigation experience, mentorship, and long-term growth in a supportive, collaborative environment. The role is primarily remote in the state of California, except for required appearances.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Structured Growth & Mentorship Ongoing training, regular coaching, and direct mentorship from experienced WC attorneys help you build confidence and progressive independence.
• Hands-On Litigation Experience Participate in depositions and hearings before WCAB venues across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, and Van Nuys, (in-person for expedited hearings and trial).
• In House Partnership Model Work side by side with Claims Partners and senior attorneys, learning how legal strategy and claims decision-making intersect.
• Modern Practice, Modern Tools Leverage approved case management technology and progressive AI tools to support legal research, drafting, and workflow efficiency.
• Flexible Remote Work Model Work remotely day to day, with occasional in person collaboration (approximately 2-4 times per year) and required appearances based on case needs.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid holidays and paid time off; fitness reimbursement; reimbursed work-related travel and parking; company phone and internet stipend; volunteer time off and employee donation matching.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in handling California workers' compensation defense matters under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Support case strategy development through factual investigation, legal research, and file analysis.
• Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, and petitions with appropriate supervision and feedback.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, trials, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Communicate case status and legal analysis to Claims Partners and internal stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate with opposing counsel, WCAB staff, and external vendors consistent with office procedures.
• Participate in team huddles, file reviews, and case strategy discussions to enhance legal outcomes and learning.
• Maintain compliance with continuing legal education requirements and stay current on changes in California workers' compensation law and WCAB procedures.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California; member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• Legal internship, law clerkship, or early-career litigation experience preferred.
• Familiarity with workers' compensation or insurance-related litigation is a plus.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a matrixed legal and claims environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort learning legal technology tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and grow toward independent case handling.

Experience

• Associate Attorney: 0-2 years of legal practice experience, including internships or early litigation exposure; experience with California workers' compensation is helpful but not required.

Currently seeking applicants who reside in California. This is a remote role with periodic travel within the Los Angeles County, with a primary focus on Van Nuys, Marina Del Rey, and Los Angeles.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford's total compensation package for employees.

Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition.

The annualized base pay range for this role is: $84,800 - $127,200

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

About Us | Our Culture | What Its Like to Work Here | Perks & Benefits

Every day, a day to do right. Showing up for people isn't just what we do. It's who we are - and have been for more than 200 years.

We're devoted to finding innovative ways to serve our customers, communities and employees - continually asking ourselves what more we can do. What else can we do to destigmatize mental health in the workplace? Can we make our communities more equitable? That we can rise to the challenge of these questions is due in no small part to our company values that our employees have shaped and defined.

And while how we contribute looks different for each of us, it's these values that drive all of us to do more and to do better every day.

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