Attorney, Liability Defense

Location: Offices throughout CA

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Liability Defense Attorney to join our litigation team, with a particular interest in candidates who have experience defending claims involving restaurants, food service businesses, hospitality, or related industries. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil litigation and insurance defense, with the ability to independently manage a diverse caseload, develop effective defense strategies, and provide excellent client service. Experience handling restaurant or food-service claims is highly preferred, but candidates with strong general liability defense experience are encouraged to apply.

PRACTICE AREAS:

• General Liability
• Premises Liability
• Food Service/Restaurant Claims
• Professional Liability
• Auto Liability

Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a caseload of civil litigation and insurance defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Defend claims involving restaurants, food service establishments, hospitality businesses, and other commercial clients.
• Analyze legal and factual issues and develop effective defense strategies based on the circumstances of each case.
• Evaluate liability, damages, causation, exposure, and settlement considerations and provide strategic recommendations to clients and claims representatives.
• Draft and prepare pleadings, discovery, motions, briefs, mediation statements, and other legal documents.
• Prepare for and conduct depositions of plaintiffs, defendants, employees, witnesses, experts, and other parties.
• Review and analyze medical records, incident reports, photographs, surveillance footage, employment records, and other relevant documentation.
• Work with experts and other professionals as necessary to develop and support defense strategies.
• Provide timely legal advice, case evaluations, status updates, and recommendations to clients, adjusters, and claims representatives.
• Maintain strong and proactive relationships with clients and insurance representatives throughout the life of each matter.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel, co-counsel, experts, witnesses, and other parties.
• Make court appearances and represent clients at hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings.
• Prepare cases for trial and assist with the presentation of witnesses, evidence, and legal arguments.
• Take ownership of the prompt, efficient, and effective resolution of assigned matters.
• Accurately record billable hours and tasks in accordance with firm and client billing requirements.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
• 5+ years of civil litigation and/or insurance defense experience.
• Experience defending restaurant, food service, hospitality, or related commercial claims is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling general liability and premises liability matters.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a litigation caseload.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively evaluate liability, damages, and overall case exposure.
• Strong client relationship and case management skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, clients, claims professionals, and support staff.
• Must be able to appear in court and attend hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and other legal proceedings both in person and virtually.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology/software.
• Highly responsive, organized, and professional in all communications.
• Ability to travel between offices, courts, client meetings, depositions, and other legal settings as needed.

Compensation:

DOE, Range: $150k-$220k plus bonuses and benefits.

Location: On-site/hybrid/remote in California, with San Diego, Long Beach, Corona, San Francisco, Los Gatos, and Costa Mesa Offices