Pre-Litigation Attorney

A law firm in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a Pre-Litigation Attorney with 3+ years of experience in a Personal Injury law firm. The ideal candidate will use professional concepts to resolve moderate to complex claims through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. The role requires independent judgment in preparing legal pleadings, motions, and statements while coordinating with supporting staff and other members. The attorney will manage up to 250 pre-litigation files, oversee case managers, and maintain communication with clients and staff throughout the claim process.

Job Duties:

• Oversee and manage up to 250 pre-litigation matters with the assistance of assigned case managers.
• Direct and assist case managers with day-to-day management of medical treatment for pre-litigation matters.
• Conduct investigations on all pre-litigation and potential litigation matters.
• Maintain an open-door policy for case managers to present questions for attorney review and approval.
• Assist case managers in negotiating pre-litigation settlements.
• Evaluate potential and current matters for valuation to aid in early resolution.
• Identify and retain medical and legal experts as needed for each case.
• Supervise up to five pre-litigation case managers.
• Maintain communication with clients and staff throughout the course of pre-litigation matters.
• Perform legal research on relevant issues during the pre-litigation process.
• Prepare summons, complaints, and other responsive pleadings for court filing.
• Propound and respond to written discovery.
• Draft meet and confer letters to opposing counsel regarding discovery issues.
• Prepare clients for depositions and other applicable hearings.
• Take and defend depositions during the course of litigation.
• Prepare and respond to law and motion.
• Attend mediations and other court appearances.
• Participate in arbitration and trial preparation and appearance.
• Conduct monthly file reviews with each team member.
• Review and edit demands written by the demand team.
• Participate in monthly file reviews with PI Managing Attorney(s).
• Oversee liability investigations of all assigned PI matters.
• Manage the medical aspects of all assigned PI matters, including reviewing medical reports and recommendations.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate degree and current good standing with CA State Bar.
• 3+ years of experience working in a Personal Injury law firm.
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills.
• Initiative and compassion for clients requiring Personal Injury services.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Workers’ Compensation terminology.
• Bilingual, fluent in Spanish, strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Legal research and drafting.
• Negotiation and mediation.
• Client communication and relationship management.
• Case management and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of health insurance issues including Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, and Kaiser.
• Knowledge of government claim timelines/deadlines/statutes.
• Knowledge of worker's compensation timelines/deadlines/statutes for cross-over cases.
• Knowledge of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist timelines/deadlines/statutes.
• Knowledge of premises liability cases and liability arguments.
• Proficiency in MS Office and online research tools such as LEXIS-NEXIS and Westlaw.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Secondary employer-sponsored health reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Sick time
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance