Sr. Trial Attorney Workers Compensation

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model (1 in-office day per

Competitive pay and incentives

401(k) match and retirement plans

Strong claims partnerships

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. in Irvine, CA is seeking a Workers' Compensation Defense Trial Attorney or Senior Trial Attorney. You will manage all phases of WC litigation, collaborate with claims, and guide strategy through hearings. Senior attorneys mentor teammates and handle complex matters.

The role offers a hybrid work model, with one in-office day per week, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth within a global insurer.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor required and active California Bar membership.
• 5+ years of litigation experience for Trial Attorney; 7+ years for Senior Trial Attorney.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe; proficient in legal research platforms.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of Workers' Compensation litigation from evaluation to resolution.
• Develop case strategy with claims professionals; conduct discovery; negotiate settlements.
• Appear at hearings and advocate for clients; mentors for more complex matters (Senior).

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research

Insurance defense knowledge

Trial skills

Education

Juris Doctor

California State Bar member in good standing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Job description

Great Trial Lawyers Deserve Great Work-Life Balance.

Workers' Compensation Defense Trial Attorney or Senior Trial Attorney

Opportunity | Irvine, CA | Hybrid

Why Zurich?

We’re growing! Be part of an amazing Workers' Compensation defense team that is growing and creating exciting opportunities for attorneys to do meaningful work. Build a litigation career that allows you to sharpen your trial skills without sacrificing your life outside of work.

At Zurich North America, you'll work on significant, complex Workers' Compensation matters while enjoying the flexibility, support, and stability of a global industry leader. Our attorneys benefit from:

• Hybrid flexibility with one in-office day per week
• Competitive compensation and incentive opportunities
• 401(k) match and additional company retirement contributions
• Strong partnerships with claims professionals
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities
• A collaborative culture that values both results and well-being

If you're looking for a place where trial skills, strategy, and work-life balance can coexist, we'd like to meet you.

Zurich is seeking a Workers' Compensation Defense Trial Attorney or Senior Trial Attorney to join our Irvine Staff Legal office.

In this role, you will handle all phases of Workers' Compensation litigation, from initial evaluation through resolution. You will partner with claims professionals to develop case strategy, conduct discovery, negotiate settlements, appear at hearings, and advocate for clients throughout the litigation process. Senior-level attorneys will also have opportunities to mentor colleagues and serve as technical resources on complex matters.

This role will be filled at either the Trial Attorney or Senior Trial Attorney Level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant’s experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position.

Basic Qualifications:

Trial Attorney:

• Juris Doctor
• 5 or more years of litigation experience
• Member in good standing of the California State Bar
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience using Lexis, Westlaw, or similar legal research platforms
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims environment, insurance defense litigation, and legal procedure,

OR

Senior Trial Attorney:

• Juris Doctor
• 7 or more years of litigation experience
• Member in good standing of the California State Bar
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Experience using Lexis, Westlaw, or similar legal research platforms
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims environment, insurance defense litigation, and legal procedure
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage more complex litigation matters and provide technical guidance to others when appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Workers' Compensation defense experience
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage a caseload independently
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment
• Trial, hearing, mediation, and settlement experience

• For Senior Trial Attorney candidates: experience handling moderate to high-complexity matters, mentoring attorneys, and serving as a subject matter resource.

Work Location Senior Trial Attorney:

This position follows Zurich's hybrid work model. Candidates should be able to report to the Irvine, California office one day per week.

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 combined salary range for this position is $160,000.00 - $205,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Trial Attorney is $160,000.00 - $185,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Senior Trial Attorney is $180,000.00 - $205,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewardshere.]

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 § 1033.

Please note:

Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Irvine, AM - Los Angeles

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered:No

Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-RA1 LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-HYBRID