Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney

WorkCompCentral; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time and Full-time schedules

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, mentorship, and

Job summary

Bernal Law Group, PC is a California workers' compensation defense firm seeking an associate attorney with at least three years' experience to handle a caseload with real autonomy from day one in Walnut Creek.

Responsibilities include managing cases from investigation to resolution, taking depositions, appearing at WCAB hearings, drafting petitions and briefs, and negotiating settlements while advising clients on strategy and reserves.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of the Labor Code provisions cited in the posting (3208.3, 4062, 4600, 4062.2, 4663, 4664, 5500.5).

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&Rs and Stipulations.
• Communicate directly with clients on case strategy, exposure, and reserves.

Skills

Workers' compensation defense

Deposition experience

WCAB hearings experience

Legal writing

Case management

Oral advocacy

Spanish (bilingual optional)

Education

California Bar admission

Juris Doctor (JD)

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.