Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation

The Hartford; Brea (CA); Remote; USD 119,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Employee assistance and wellness

Equipment and reimbursement

Job summary

The Hartford in California is seeking a Sr Staff Attorney to join its growing Workers' Compensation team. This role offers flexible remote work from California, with occasional in-person appearances as needed, and the opportunity to handle complex CA workers' compensation matters for policyholders.

You will lead defense matters from pleadings through trial, develop case strategy, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with claims partners in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active California license in good standing.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload of 100–115 active workers' compensation files.
• Comfort working in a primarily remote environment with technology-enabled workflows.
• WCAB trial/hearing experience and strong deposition skills.
• Experience drafting petitions for reconsideration and handling appeals.
• Familiarity with LexisNexis and litigation/case management systems.
• Interest in mentoring/training and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Independently handle all phases of California workers' compensation defense, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, lien strategy, settlements, hearings and trial.
• Develop and execute case strategy grounded in factual investigation, legal research, and risk evaluation.
• Draft and argue motions and appellate briefs as needed.
• Prepare and present witnesses at trial/hearings/ADR; coordinate with experts.
• Provide timely legal advice to claims partners and insureds; communicate status and valuations.
• Build relationships with opposing counsel, judges, and external partners; demonstrate advocacy.
• Contribute to learning culture through huddles, roundtables, and training.

Skills

Legal research

Writing

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

LexisNexis

Litigation management systems

Job description

Sr Staff Attorney - LM07DE Staff Attorney - LM07EE 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. Join a growing California Workers' Compensation team where you'll have the flexibility of remote work, the support of an established national carrier, and the opportunity to build a long-term career with one of the industry's most respected legal organizations. At The Hartford, we're building on a strong foundation and continuing to invest in the growth of our Workers' Compensation legal team across California. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing environment where attorneys are empowered to do their best work while maintaining flexibility and balance. As a Workers' Compensation Attorney, you'll represent The Hartford and its policyholders in workers' compensation matters from inception through resolution. You'll work alongside experienced legal professionals who are committed to delivering outstanding results while supporting one another's professional growth and development. Whether you're seeking greater flexibility, meaningful litigation experience, or a long-term career with a respected industry leader, The Hartford offers the resources, support, and culture to help you succeed.

Why Join The Hartford?

A Growing Legal Organization - As we continue to expand our Workers' Compensation practice, we're investing in talented attorneys who are passionate about advocacy, client service, and delivering positive outcomes.

Flexible Remote Work Environment - Work remotely day to day from California, with occasionally required in-person appearances based on case needs.

Collaborative and Inclusive Culture - At The Hartford, you'll join a team that values collaboration, respect, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Resources That Support Success - Our attorneys benefit from innovative legal technology, professional development opportunities, continuing legal education support, and a strong network of legal professionals committed to helping one another succeed.

What You'll Do

• Independently handle all phases of California workers' compensation defense, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, lien strategy, settlements, hearings and trial.
• Develop and execute case strategy grounded in strong factual investigation, legal research, and practical risk evaluation.
• Draft and argue motions, petitions for reconsideration, trial briefs, and (as needed) appellate briefs.
• Prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trial/hearings/ADR proceedings; coordinate with experts and third-party vendors as needed.
• Provide timely, clear legal advice to claims partners and insureds; communicate case status, recommendations, and valuation updates consistently.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with opposing counsel, judges/boards, and external partners while demonstrating diplomacy and strong advocacy.
• Contribute to a learning culture by participating in team huddles, case roundtables, file reviews, and occasional training for attorneys and claims partners.
• Stay current on changes in California workers' compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology; maintain continuing legal education as required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California and member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to Independently manage a caseload of 100-115 active workers' compensation files, including master and companion files, in a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Professional, client-focused communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment (legal + claims).
• Comfort working in a primarily remote environment and using technology to manage a paperless practice.
• WCAB trial/hearing experience and strong deposition skills.
• Experience drafting petitions for reconsideration and handling appeals.
• Experience with LexisNexis (or similar) and litigation/case management systems.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring/training and contributing to process improvements.

Experience

• Staff Attorney: 2+ years of legal practice experience, including experience handling California workers’ compensation matters or comparable experience.
• Senior Staff Attorney: 5+ years of legal practice experience with significant, independent handling of complex California workers’ compensation cases or comparable experience.

Trial/hearing experience preferred.

Benefits That Support Your Well-Being

At The Hartford, we believe our employees perform their best when they feel supported both professionally and personally. Employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive compensation, along with an annual incentive bonus plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Employee discounts and additional voluntary benefits
• Company-provided equipment, internet reimbursement, and role-related expense reimbursements

Coverage areas may include Northern California - such as the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley - as well as Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

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: $118,800 - $198,600

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

About Us | Our Culture | What Its Like to Work Here | Perks & Benefits Legal Notice Accessibility Statement Producer Compensation EEO Privacy Policy California Privacy Policy Your California Privacy Choices International Privacy Policy Canadian Privacy Policy Unincorporated Areas of LA County, CA (Applicant Information) MA Applicant Notice Hartford India Prospective Personnel Privacy Notice Electronic Monitoring Policy