Sr Staff Attorney- Construction Defect

The Hartford; United States; Remote; USD 132,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford's Staff Legal team handles sophisticated litigation, focusing on construction defect matters from early case assessment through trial, with some auto and general liability defense. This remote position is ideal for a seasoned attorney physically located in California with substantial construction defect experience and exposure to premises and products liability.

In this role you will manage files, draft pleadings, take depositions, and represent clients at trials and mediations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Domicile and active license to practice in California.
• Bar membership in good standing.
• 7+ years of relevant litigation experience, including construction defect and insurance defense.
• First-chair jury trial and/or appellate experience preferred.
• Strong legal writing and research skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with California courts and local practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage an inventory of construction defect files and related defense matters.
• Analyze issues, conduct legal research, and develop defense strategies.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, discovery, and dispositive motions.
• Take and defend depositions; prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at trials, hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Provide timely legal advice and liability evaluations to Claims and insureds.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Trial advocacy

Caseload management

Judicial procedures

Organization

Tech-driven environment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Sr Staff Attorney - LM07DE

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

The Hartford’s Staff Legal team is built for attorneys who want the depth and challenge of sophisticated litigation - with the stability, resources, and collaboration of an in-house practice. In this role, you will handle a variety of construction defect matters from early case assessment through trial, partnering closely with Claims. You may also handle some auto and general liability tort defense matters. This remote position is an ideal fit for a seasoned attorney who is physically located in California with significant experience in construction defect claims, as well as some experience in premises liability, products liability, and commercial/personal automobile accidents. If you’re known for sound judgment, strong courtroom presence, and the ability to move a case forward with confidence, this is an opportunity to apply your expertise. This role is primarily remote in the State of California except for occasional in-person appearances as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• High-impact litigation: Handle an inventory of construction defect files. May also have an opportunity to handle the defense of some premises, products, general negligence, and auto claims.
• Real courtroom opportunity: Use your trial skills - prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trials, hearings, and ADR.
• In-house partnership model: Collaborate closely with claims partners and advise insureds directly.
• Lead the work: Be the lead attorney on your files - set strategy early, evaluate exposure, and drive resolution.
• Modern practice, modern tools: Leverage case management and approved technology - including progressive AI tools. Work from home day to day, with occasional in-person collaboration (approximately 2–4 times per year) and required in-person appearances as the case demands.
• Total rewards you can feel: Medical, dental, vision, life; 401(k) with company match; Annual Incentive Bonus, paid holidays and paid time off; fitness reimbursement; reimbursed work-related travel/parking; company phone and standard internet reimbursement.
• Invested in your Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and development pathways are built in so you can expand your skills and take on greater responsibility.

What You’ll Do

• Manage an inventory of construction defect files. May also have an opportunity to handle the defense of some premises, products, general negligence, and auto claims from inception through trial or other resolution.
• Analyze substantive and procedural issues; conduct thorough legal research; and develop well-reasoned defense strategies.
• Draft and respond to pleadings, written discovery, dispositive motions, and briefs with minimal supervision.
• Take and defend depositions; work with experts; and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Represent clients at trials, judicial hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other ADR proceedings.
• Provide timely, practical legal advice and liability/damages evaluations to Claims and insured partners.
• Communicate effectively with courts, opposing counsel, witnesses, and co-counsel consistent with office procedures.
• Drive prompt, efficient disposition of assigned cases while maintaining high quality and customer service.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Domicile and active license to practice in California and ability to appear in applicable local state and federal courts.
• Member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• 7+ years of relevant litigation experience, including construction defect and insurance defense matters.
• Documented first-chair jury trial and/or appellate experience preferred.
• Strong legal writing, research, and persuasive advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong familiarity with California courts and local practices.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize competing deadlines, and comfortable working in a technology-driven environment.

Additional details

Currently seeking applicants who reside in California. This is a remote role with periodic travel within California.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

$132,400 - $198,600

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age