Sr. Staff Legal Trail Attorney

Zurich 56 Company Ltd; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Zurich North America in Irvine is seeking a Liability Trial Attorney to defend insurance matters. The role requires handling all phases of defense litigation, from investigation to trial, with the ability to work in a hybrid model and report to Irvine weekly.

You will analyze cases, prepare pleadings, conduct discovery, argue hearings, and mentor junior attorneys while maintaining client focus. The salary range is substantial and bonuses are available; the firm emphasizes balance and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Active California State Bar membership.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe.
• Experience with Lexis or Westlaw.
• Knowledge of the insurance defense litigation.
• Knowledge of law and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate technical excellence in case handling, trial prep, and presentation for moderate-to-high complexity matters.
• Apply law and trends; perform legal analysis, research, pleadings; manage discovery; participate in hearings and trials.
• Document case files accurately per best practices.
• Collaborate with claims adjuster to resolve matters; develop strategy; escalate issues as needed.
• Provide proactive client communication and follow protocols.
• Use mediation/negotiation skills for ADR within authority.
• Maintain professional knowledge through education and industry networking.
• Contribute to team goals and cross-work on matters.
• Mentor junior attorneys on strategies and tools.
• Ensure compliance with laws and protect confidentiality.

Skills

MS Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Insurance industry knowledge

Litigation knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor

California Bar Association member in good standing

Job description

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At Zurich North America Claims we acknowledge that work life balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA Claims hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location including the ability to work from a home office, while facilitating in‑person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in‑office attendance should be expected.The candidate selected for this opportunity should be able to report to our Irvine CA Office once per week.

Zurich North America is seeking a successful Liability Trial Attorney.

The selected candidate will perform duties encompassing all aspects of insurance defense, including initial investigation and legal analysis and advice, preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents, performing legal research, preparing for and conducting pre-trial discovery, preparing for and aggressively handling hearings and trials, and conducting post-trial activities where appropriate. We are looking for demonstrated case analysis ability, a track record of proven trial and settlement skills and the ability to work independently without substantial supervision.

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Achieve best outcomes for clients by demonstrating a high level of technical excellence in case handling, trial preparation and presentation for matters of moderate to high complexity
• Drive positive outcomes by correctly applying the law and legal trends, conducting legal analysis and research, preparing legal pleadings and documents, preparing for and managing pre-trial discovery, and participating in judicial or administrative hearings and trials
• Document case files by accurately capturing and updating relevant information in compliance with best practices
• Work to have a timely resolution to matters by collaborating with the claims adjuster, developing a case strategy and escalating issues as appropriate
• Ensure customer service to clients by proactively communicating information; responding to inquiries; and following customer protocols
• Determine and implement alternative dispute resolution techniques as appropriate, by using effective mediation and negotiation skills within authority limit
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, staying current with industry trends, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies
• Contribute to the team effort by accomplishing related results and collaborating on matters as needed
• Serve as a technical resource by providing guidance and/or mentoring lower level attorneys on legal strategies and use of tools and resources
• Ensure legal compliance by following state and federal laws and regulations
• Protect Zurich’s reputation by keeping claims information confidential

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor and 5 or more years of experience in the Litigation area
  AND
• Member in good standing of the California State Bar Association
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience working with Lexis or Westlaw
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment
• Knowledge of the law and procedure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $190,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Location(s): AM - Irvine

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

Nearest Major Market: Irvine California

Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles