Litigation Attorney

A law firm in Santa Ana, CA, is seeking a Litigation Attorney with 5-15 years of experience in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. The attorney will exclusively represent policyholders, but candidates with prior experience representing insurance companies are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in depositions, court appearances, and trials.

Duties:

• Represent policyholders in complex insurance coverage and bad faith litigation matters.
• Handle all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.
• Conduct detailed legal research and analysis related to insurance coverage disputes and bad faith claims.
• Draft and file legal documents, including complaints, briefs, motions, and discovery requests.
• Take and defend depositions, preparing clients and witnesses for testimony.
• Argue motions in court and present cases in both bench and jury trials.
• Provide legal counsel to clients regarding their rights under insurance policies and strategies for resolving disputes with insurers.
• Negotiate settlements on behalf of clients when appropriate.
• Maintain regular client communication, ensuring they are informed and advised at each stage of the litigation process.
• Stay current with developments in insurance coverage law and bad faith litigation.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited and reputable law school.
• Active member of the California State Bar in good standing.
• 5-15 years of experience in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, with a focus on representing policyholders (though candidates with experience representing insurance companies will also be considered).
• Extensive experience in depositions, courtroom litigation, and trial work.
• Proven ability to handle complex litigation matters independently and as part of a team.

Certifications:

• Certifications in Insurance Law or Litigation (preferred but not required).

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of California insurance coverage law and bad faith claims.
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills, with proven success in court and depositions.
• Excellent research and analytical abilities to address complex legal issues.
• Strong negotiation skills for settlement discussions.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills in managing litigation documents and case files.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel.

Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Contributions to health and dental plans.
• Subsidized gym membership.
• Disability coverage.

This small Orange County firm specializes in complex business litigation including insurance coverage and bad faith, intellectual property, tort defense, personal injury, construction, environmental, and securities litigation. The firms attorneys are distinguished litigators and frequently speak to professional associations around the country on trial skills. The firm is a pretty high pressure place and the atmosphere can be frantic during trials. However, attorneys are generally friendly and enjoyably pleasant. Compensation is comparable with other firms of this size.