Senior Trial Attorney

Aspire General; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Life insurance

EAP

Career development

Hybrid work

Discount programs

Job summary

Aspire General Insurance is seeking an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to join our Trial Division in California. You will provide high-quality representation to insured clients, manage complex litigation from inception through trial, and mentor junior staff while collaborating closely with Claims leadership.

This full-time position offers a hybrid schedule with two in-office days per week in Costa Mesa, or fully remote for highly qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar with clean disciplinary record.
• 10–15 years of litigation experience, with strong insurance defense background.
• Extensive experience in discovery, depositions, motions, arbitrations, and trials.
• Strong knowledge of California insurance law, civil procedures, and trial advocacy.
• Ability to handle a substantial caseload independently.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and case management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with claims professionals and legal colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Represent insured clients in all phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and appeals.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies in partnership with Claims professionals.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Provide legal guidance to Claims partners and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate liability, damages, and exposure while developing cost-effective defense strategies.
• Manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy and efficiency.
• Negotiate settlements when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain thorough case documentation and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with insureds, claims representatives, and business partners.
• Mentor associate attorneys, paralegals, and staff.

Skills

Litigation management

Discovery & depositions

Trial advocacy

Negotiation

Legal research

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active California Bar

Tools

Case management systems

Litigation support software

E-filing systems

Job description

Schedule: Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in office) or Remote for highly qualified candidates

Reports To: Managing Trial Attorney

At Aspire General Insurance, we are committed to doing the right thing, fostering professional growth, and delivering exceptional service to our insureds. We are seeking an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to join our growing Trial Division. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned litigation professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about defending personal auto insurance claims from inception through trial.

As a Senior Trial Attorney, you will provide high-quality legal representation to Aspire's insured clients, manage complex litigation matters, collaborate closely with Claims leadership, and serve as a mentor to junior legal staff.

Responsibilities:

• Represent insured clients in all phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, motions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and appeals.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies in partnership with Claims professionals to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Provide legal guidance and consultation to Claims partners and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate liability, damages, and litigation exposure while developing cost-effective defense strategies.
• Manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail.
• Negotiate settlements when appropriate while balancing legal and business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain thorough and accurate case documentation and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with insureds, claims representatives, and business partners.
• Participate in training and development initiatives for Claims and legal staff.
• Mentor and provide guidance to associate attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and law clerks.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings involving Aspire, including small claims matters, arbitrations, and court appearances.
• Provide timely litigation status updates, exposure assessments, and strategic recommendations to Claims leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar Association with a clean disciplinary record.
• 10-15 years of litigation experience with a strong background in insurance defense.
• Extensive experience conducting discovery, depositions, oral arguments, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Strong knowledge of California insurance law, civil litigation procedures, and trial advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to handle a substantial caseload independently.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and case management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with claims professionals and legal colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant first-chair trial experience with successful verdict outcomes.
• Experience using case management, litigation support, and electronic filing systems.
• Leadership experience mentoring attorneys and legal support staff.
• Ability to assist in the recruitment and development of future legal team members.

Why Aspire?

At Aspire, we invest in our people and provide opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Our team members enjoy a collaborative culture, flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Employee discount programs

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule preferred, with at least two days per week in the Costa Mesa office.
• Fully remote candidates with exceptional qualifications will be considered.
• Fast-paced legal environment requiring strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Periodic travel may be required for court appearances, mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials.
• Frequent computer use and close-range visual work.
• Physical activities include typing, repetitive hand movements, reaching, standing, stooping, and occasional lifting of case materials.
• Equal Opportunity Employer

Aspire General Insurance is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.