Legal Assistant I - Workers' Compensation

Los Angeles City Attorney; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Workers’ Compensation Division seeks a Legal Assistant to support Division Attorneys and claims examiners in handling cases from inception through final resolution, including reviewing claims for eligibility and potential fraud, preparing for trial or appeal, and scheduling depositions.

The role requires six months of legal administrative experience or completion of a Paralegal class, independent judgment, proficiency with Word and Westlaw, and strong

Qualifications

• Requires at least six months of legal administrative experience with knowledge of legal procedures and independent judgment.
• Successful completion of a Legal Assistant (Paralegal) class (equivalent to 3 units) emphasizing legal procedures and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct support staff in preparing and managing cases from inception through final resolution.
• Review new and existing claims to determine eligibility and identify potential fraud.
• Prepare cases for trial and/or appeal and coordinate scheduling of depositions.
• Arrange applicants’ medical examinations and review WCAB/ADR awards to decide on appeals.
• Maintain telephone contact with the public, insurance companies, and city departments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal procedures

Independent judgment

Microsoft Word

Westlaw

Communication skills

Education

Paralegal course

Job description

The Workers’ Compensation Division is responsible for defending the City against claims litigated before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board is a state agency, which has exclusive jurisdiction over disputed employee claims for benefits for injuries arising out of employment.

Within the Workers’ Compensation Division, the Subrogation Unit investigates and processes all cases in which Workers’ Compensation benefits and/or property damage have been paid on behalf of the City and/or City employees as a result of the negligence of a third party.

Legal Assistants provide comprehensive support to Division Attorneys and coordinate with the City’s Personnel Department claims examiners. The position will oversee and direct support staff in preparing and managing cases from inception through final resolution. Key responsibilities include reviewing new and existing claims to determine eligibility and identify potential fraud; preparing cases for trial and/or appeal; coordinating and directing the scheduling of depositions; arranging applicants’ medical examinations; and reviewing awards issued by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and ADR Programs to assist in determining whether to pursue an appeal or process the award for payment. This position involves telephone contact with members of the public, insurance companies, and various City departments. The Legal Assistant will also perform other related duties as assigned.

The Legal Assistant position requires at least six months of legal administrative experience which requires a thorough knowledge of legal procedures and terminology and independent judgment in analyzing, interpreting and reviewing legal documents;

-or-

Successful completion of one Legal Assistant (Paralegal) class (equivalent to 3 units), which includes emphasis on legal procedures, terminology and the ability to use independent judgment in analyzing, interpreting and reviewing legal documents. The course may have been taken through a college or university.

This position also requires a person who is self-motivated, learns quickly, can exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision. The applicant must also be able to work well with other employees of this office and personnel from other agencies, as well as members of the public. Applicants should be proficient in the use of personal computer equipment.

This position also requires a person to lift boxes (up to 25 lbs.) with or without accommodations.

Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential. The hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Desired Qualifications

Experience administering workers’ compensation cases for an insurance company, a law firm, a self-insured private or public employer is desirable. Demonstrated writing skills and proficiency on Microsoft Word and Westlaw. Experience in civil law, including workers’ compensation litigation.

Experience in criminal/civil claims investigation, evaluation of property damage, personal injury claims, account recovery processing and recovery, and other related legal work is desired.

Requirements for Application

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Retirement Benefits:

Employees participate in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS), which includes mandatory employee pension contributions through payroll deduction. The City also contributes toward the employee’s retirement benefit. Contribution rates are established by the applicable retirement system an may vary based on employee classification, membership status, and other factors. For more information, please visit: https://www.lacers.org/

Current Location and Parking

The Workers Compensation Division is located at 700 East Temple Street, Room 220, Los Angeles.Position is subject to assignment at any location of the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.

This position requires regular onsite work. Employer-provided parking is limited and may not be available for this classification. Employees may be responsible for securing and paying for parking at nearby facilities. Applicants are encouraged to review available commute and transportation resources through the City’s COMMUTEwell program. For more information, please visit: https://lacommutewell.com/

Probation

Appointment to this exempt position (non Civil-Service) will be subject to a one (1) Year probationary period as required by Section 1050 of the City Charter. Successful completion of the one (1) year probationary period will result in tenure with the office.

Application deadline: Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Contact

Questions? Please [e-mail].