Claims Litigation Attorney

ace; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(K) with company match

Pension

Tuition assistance

Floating holidays and PTO

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Auto Club Enterprises in California is seeking an experienced Claims Litigation Attorney to lead defense of high-stakes civil matters from inception to resolution. You will oversee strategy, manage discovery, motions, and trials while mentoring junior attorneys and coordinating with policyholders and claims teams.

The role demands JD with 7–9 years in insurance defense, excellent trial and appellate skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• JD required and 7–9 years in insurance defense.
• Extensive experience handling complex civil litigation and high-exposure cases.
• Strong trial, arbitration, mediation, and appellate advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a high-volume caseload of complex, high-exposure civil litigation matters.
• Analyze cases, assess liability and damage, and develop effective defense strategies.
• Handle all phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, appeals, and other legal pleadings.
• Retain, manage, and collaborate with expert witnesses in complex cases.
• Evaluate case exposure and provide strategic recommendations to Claims and management.
• Negotiate settlements and respond to attorney demand letters.
• Communicate case developments, legal risks, and recommendations to policyholders, claims professionals, and leadership.
• Maintain compliance with court deadlines and internal reporting requirements.
• Mentor junior attorneys and provide legal training and guidance as needed.

Skills

Insurance defense knowledge

Trial advocacy

Legal research & writing

Negotiation

Client communication

Education

JD Required

Job description

Claims Litigation Attorney

Join a high-performing legal team as a Senior Trial Attorney where you will lead the defense of some of the most complex, high-stakes litigation matters. In this role, you will serve as trusted counsel to policyholders and the Exchange, managing sophisticated lawsuits, arbitrations, and trials involving significant financial exposure, catastrophic injuries, property damage, and fraud allegations. This is an opportunity for a seasoned litigator to make a meaningful impact, shape case strategy, and serve as a key legal advisor while handling challenging, high-profile matters from inception through resolution.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a high-volume caseload of complex, high-exposure civil litigation matters.
• Analyze cases, assess liability and damage, and develop effective defense strategies.
• Handle all phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Draft and argue motions, briefs, appeals, and other legal pleadings.
• Retain, manage, and collaborate with expert witnesses in complex cases.
• Evaluate case exposure and provide strategic recommendations to Claims and management.
• Negotiate settlements and respond to attorney demand letters.
• Communicate case developments, legal risks, and recommendations to policyholders, claims professionals, and leadership.
• Maintain compliance with court deadlines and internal reporting requirements.
• Mentor junior attorneys and provide legal training and guidance as needed.

Qualifications:

• JD Required
• 7-9 years Insurance defense law Required
• Thorough understanding of insurance contracts required.
• Expert knowledge of trial procedures and the rules of the evidence.
• Valid Driver's License, acceptable Department of Motor Vehicles record and minimum liability insurance - Issued by State Required
• Extensive experience handling complex civil litigation and high-exposure cases.
• Strong trial, arbitration, mediation, and appellate advocacy skills.
• Excellent legal research, writing, negotiation, and analytical abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
• Experience managing litigation experts and developing case strategies.
• Exceptional communication and client relationship management skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and commitment to ethical legal practice.

What You'll Bring:

• Expertise in evaluating legal risk and exposure.
• Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented approach with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with minimal supervision.

The starting pay range for this position is:

$145,900.00 - $194,600.00 Additionally, for full time positions, you will be eligible to participate in our incentive program based upon the achievement of organization, team and personal performance.

Remarkable benefits:

• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision
• 401(K) saving plans with company match AND Pension
• Tuition assistance
• Floating holidays and PTO for community volunteer programs
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts (membership, insurance, travel, entertainment, services and more!)

Auto Club Enterprises is the largest club within the national AAA federation. We have nearly 17,000 employees in 24 states helping more than 18 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity - we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1900, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.

"Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value."

AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our organization participates in E-Verify

The Automobile Club of Southern California will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), the Unincorporated Los Angeles County (ULAC) regulation, and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).