Senior Staff Attorney – Construction Defect

The Hartford

. Manage an inventory of construction defect files and potentially premises, products, general negligence, and auto claims from inception through trial or other resolution .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeBrea • California • United StatesSenior💰 $132,400 - $198,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing construction defect and insurance defense litigation, with strong legal writing, research, and advocacy skills. Capable of independently handling a caseload while providing legal advice and evaluations to clients and partners.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)California Bar LicenseLitigation ExperienceLegal WritingTrial Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchDrafting PleadingsDepositionsDefense StrategiesCase ManagementPersuasive AdvocacyDispositive MotionsWitness PreparationADR ProceedingsLiability Evaluations

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsSound JudgmentCommunication SkillsCustomer Service OrientationIndependence

Certifications & Qualifications

Active California LicenseMember of Bar Association

Industry Keywords

Construction DefectInsurance DefenseCalifornia CourtsLitigationTrial AdvocacyMediationArbitrationJudicial HearingsAppellate ExperienceLegal Advice

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage an inventory of construction defect files and potentially premises, products, general negligence, and auto claims from inception through trial or other resolution
Analyze substantive and procedural issues, conduct legal research, and develop defense strategies
Draft and respond to pleadings, written discovery, dispositive motions, and briefs with minimal supervision
Take and defend depositions, work with experts, and prepare witnesses for testimony
Represent clients at trials, judicial hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and other ADR proceedings
Provide legal advice and liability/damages evaluations to Claims and insured partners
Communicate with courts, opposing counsel, witnesses, and co-counsel
Drive prompt and efficient disposition of assigned cases while maintaining quality and customer service

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Domicile and active license to practice in California
Ability to appear in applicable local state and federal courts
Member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association
7+ years of relevant litigation experience, including construction defect and insurance defense matters
Documented first-chair jury trial and/or appellate experience preferred
Strong legal writing, research, and persuasive advocacy skills
Ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and exercise sound judgment
Strong familiarity with California courts and local practices
Highly organized and comfortable working in a technology-driven environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) with company match
Annual Incentive Bonus
Paid holidays and paid time off
Fitness reimbursement
Reimbursed work-related travel and parking
Company phone
Standard internet reimbursement
Ongoing training, mentorship, and development pathways
Work from home day to day
Occasional in-person collaboration approximately 2–4 times per year