Insurance Defense Attorney

Orion Placement; Newport Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Orion Placement seeks a California-licensed attorney to manage a civil litigation and insurance defense caseload from evaluation through resolution. You will develop case strategy, draft pleadings and motions, take depositions, and collaborate with clients, carriers, and experts.

The role starts with in-office onboarding and moves to a hybrid schedule (three days in the office, two days remote). California Bar active with 3+ years of practice is required; insurance defense experience is

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license in good standing.
• 3+ years of attorney-level litigation experience.
• Insurance defense experience strongly preferred, ideally 1+ year.

Responsibilities

• Manage a civil litigation and insurance defense caseload from initial evaluation through resolution.
• Develop case strategy, assess liability and damages, and identify efficient paths toward favorable outcomes.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, legal research, and other substantive litigation documents.
• Take and defend depositions and participate in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations.
• Prepare matters for trial and work closely with experienced attorneys on complex cases.
• Communicate directly with clients, carriers, opposing counsel, experts, and other parties.
• Maintain organized case files, deadlines, reporting requirements, and litigation calendars.
• Take increasing ownership of files as you become established with the team.

Skills

Legal research

Written advocacy

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Deadline management

Team collaboration

Job description

• Take ownership of an active litigation caseload once fully ramped up
• Join an experienced civil defense team handling varied and substantive matters
• Gain meaningful exposure to case strategy, depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation
• Work directly with clients while building greater autonomy and responsibility
• Enjoy a hybrid schedule after onboarding, with three days in the office and two days remote
• Build your career in a collaborative environment that values proactive thinking and strong legal judgment

Location: Newport Beach, CA. This position begins with an in-office onboarding period and transitions to a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remote once established in the role. Compensation starts at $130,000 for attorneys with 3+ years of experience, with higher compensation considered based on experience.

Note: Candidates must be active members of the California Bar and have 3+ years of practicing attorney or associate-level litigation experience. Insurance defense experience is strongly preferred, ideally 1+ year, although strong litigators from in-house or solo-practice backgrounds may also be considered.

About Us

We are an established Southern California civil litigation practice representing insurers, businesses, professionals, and organizations in a wide variety of disputes. Our team takes a proactive, strategic approach to litigation and emphasizes responsiveness, strong client relationships, and practical results. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Manage a civil litigation and insurance defense caseload from initial evaluation through resolution
• Develop case strategy, assess liability and damages, and identify efficient paths toward favorable outcomes
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, legal research, and other substantive litigation documents
• Take and defend depositions and participate in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations
• Prepare matters for trial and work closely with experienced attorneys on complex cases
• Communicate directly with clients, carriers, opposing counsel, experts, and other parties
• Maintain organized case files, deadlines, reporting requirements, and litigation calendars
• Take increasing ownership of files as you become established with the team

Qualifications

• Active California Bar license in good standing
• 3+ years of attorney-level litigation experience
• Insurance defense experience strongly preferred, ideally 1+ year
• Experience independently handling substantive litigation responsibilities
• Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple active matters
• Professional and responsive client communication skills
• Candidates from law firm, in-house, or solo-practice environments may be considered

Why You Will Love Working Here

You will have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of your cases while working alongside experienced litigators who value sound judgment, initiative, and collaboration. The role offers broad litigation exposure, direct client interaction, hybrid flexibility after onboarding, and room to continue building your skills and responsibility.