Insurance Defense Associate Attorney

Boutique Recruiting; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Associate bonus pool

3% Safe Harbor retirement contribution

Unlimited paid time off

Nine paid holidays

Job summary

Boutique Recruiting is seeking an Insurance Defense Associate Attorney in California to handle insurance-related civil litigation matters with meaningful client contact and potential for partnership. The role offers ownership of cases, deposition work, and a clear career path in a growing national law firm.

Candidate will manage ~100 active matters, draft filings, and coordinate with clients and experts. Requires strong writing, negotiation, and analytical skills, plus excellent organization.

Qualifications

• Active California State Bar member in good standing.
• 3–5 years of civil litigation experience.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Strong research, writing, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to independently manage cases and communicate with clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of insurance-related civil litigation matters from initial assignment through resolution.
• Represent insurance carriers in liability defense and insurance subrogation matters.
• Develop case strategies based on liability, damages, coverage issues and recovery opportunities.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and legal correspondence.
• Take and defend depositions and prepare for hearings, mediations and trials.
• Coordinate with paralegals, claims professionals, experts, and other attorneys.
• Record billable time and maintain case information in ProLaw.

Skills

Civil litigation

Deposition experience

Discovery

Trial preparation

Legal research

Negotiation

Case management

Education

Active California State Bar member

Tools

ProLaw

Job description

Position Title:

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney

Salary Range:

$130,000–$135,000 / DOE

Take ownership of sophisticated litigation matters without sacrificing your life to the billable-hour machine. A growing national law firm is seeking a mid-level associate to manage insurance-related civil litigation matters while working alongside an accessible and highly respected managing partner. This role offers meaningful client contact, case ownership, origination potential, and a clear path toward partnership.

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of insurance-related civil litigation matters from initial assignment through resolution
• Represent insurance carriers in liability defense and insurance subrogation matters
• Develop case strategies based on liability, damages, coverage issues and recovery opportunities
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, discovery responses and legal correspondence
• Take and defend depositions
• Prepare for and appear at hearings, mediations and other proceedings
• Handle trial preparation, including witness coordination, exhibit preparation and motion practice
• Maintain consistent communication with carrier clients and provide clear case updates and recommendations
• Negotiate settlements and pursue efficient, favorable resolutions
• Coordinate with paralegals, claims professionals, experts, and other attorneys
• Manage approximately 100 active matters while maintaining deadlines, responsiveness, and work quality
• Record billable time and maintain accurate case information in ProLaw

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney Requirements

• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar
• Three to five years of civil litigation experience
• Experience taking and defending depositions
• Demonstrated experience with discovery, motion practice and trial preparation
• Ability to independently manage cases and communicate directly with clients
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation and analytical skills
• Exceptional organization and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload
• Sound judgment and the confidence to raise issues before they become larger problems
• Collaborative, accountable, and proactive working style
• Consistent employment history demonstrating professional stability

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Associate bonus pool based on firm profitability, billable hours, and individual performance
• 3% Safe Harbor retirement contribution after six months, regardless of employee contribution
• Unlimited paid time off
• Nine paid holidays