Sr. Staff Legal Trial Attorney

Zurich North America; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking a Liability Trial Attorney to handle all aspects of insurance defense, including investigation, pleadings, discovery, and trial work. The role supports a hybrid work model with weekly in-person attendance at the Irvine, CA office and strong collaboration with claims teams.

Ideal candidates will have a Juris Doctor and at least five years of litigation experience, plus state bar admission in good standing.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and at least 5 years of litigation experience.
• California State Bar in good standing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe.
• Experience with Lexis or Westlaw.
• Knowledge of the insurance defense litigation environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of insurance defense including pre-trial discovery and trial preparation.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings and filings.
• Work independently while collaborating with claims adjusters and other attorneys.
• Prepare for and conduct hearings and trials, including post-trial activities where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Job description

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.

If you are ready for a career move, consider working for a company with a global footprint that offers an excellent work/life balance, reasonable billable hours, including an incentive plan, 401K match, flexible work options, summer hours and a great culture.

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.

• 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:

• Effective communication skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Collaboration skills
• 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%.

Why Zurich?

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

Location(s): AM - Irvine

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No