Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

WorkCompCentral; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time and Full-time schedules

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

State Bar dues paid

Hybrid/remote flexibility

Mentorship and advancement

Job summary

Bernal Law Group, PC, a California workers' compensation defense firm, is seeking an associate attorney with at least three years of California WC defense experience to join their team and handle a caseload with early autonomy.

The firm represents employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators across California. A flexible schedule with hybrid/remote options is available, along with mentorship and a clear path to advancement.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing of the California State Bar.
• Minimum three years of California workers' compensation experience—defense preferred; applicant-side experience considered.
• Familiarity with the Labor Code provisions cited in the job listing.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of workers' compensation defense matters from initial investigation through resolution.
• Take and defend depositions of applicants, witnesses, and experts.
• Appear at WCAB hearings, MSCs, expedited hearings, and trials.
• Review and analyze medical records; work up causation, AOE/COE, and apportionment issues.
• Draft and argue petitions, trial briefs, and points and authorities.
• Prepare and negotiate settlements, including C&R's and Stipulations.
• Communicate directly with clients on case strategy, exposure, and reserves.

Skills

Deposition

Legal writing

Case management

Communication

Education

California Bar admission

Job description

Bernal Law Group, PC — North Hills and Walnut Creek, CA

Bernal Law Group, PC is a California workers' compensation defense firm representing employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators throughout the state. We are looking for an associate attorney with at least three years of workers' compensation defense experience to join our team and manage a caseload with real autonomy from day one.

What you\'ll do

• Manage a caseload of workers' compensation defense matters from initial investigation through resolution
• Take and defend depositions of applicants, witnesses, and experts
• Appear at WCAB hearings, MSCs, expedited hearings, and trials
• Review and analyze medical records; work up causation, AOE/COE, and apportionment issues
• Draft and argue petitions, trial briefs, and points and authorities
• Prepare and negotiate settlements, including C&Rs and Stipulations
• Communicate directly with clients on case strategy, exposure, and reserves

What we\'re looking for

• Active member in good standing of the California State Bar
• Minimum three years of California workers' compensation experience — defense preferred; applicant-side experience will be considered
• Working command of the Labor Code, particularly
• 3208.3, 4062, 4600, 4062.2, 4663, 4664, and 5500.5
• Comfortable taking depositions and appearing at the Board without handholding
• Strong writing and the judgment to know when a case should be tried and when it should settle
• Ability to manage a moderate caseload while staying on top of deadlines
• Bilingual Spanish is a plus, not a requirement

What we offer

• Part-time and Full-time work schedules
• Competitive salary [commensurate with experience]
• Bonus structure
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) [with employer match]
• Paid time off and holidays
• State Bar dues and Expenses Paid
• [Hybrid / remote flexibility]
• Direct client contact, meaningful mentorship, and a clear path to advancement — you will not be buried in document review

Bernal Law Group, PC is an equal opportunity employer.