Staff or Senior Staff Attorney, Insurance Defense

The Hartford

. Manage a diverse inventory of auto, general liability, and complex tort insurance defense matters from inception through trial or other resolution .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeCalifornia • United StatesSenior💰 $118,800 - $198,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing complex tort and insurance defense matters, with strong legal writing, research, and advocacy skills. Proven ability to independently manage a caseload while providing timely legal advice and collaborating effectively with clients and courts.

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 ResearchPleading DraftingDiscovery ResponsesDeposition TakingTrial RepresentationCase Strategy DevelopmentLiability EvaluationsPersuasive AdvocacyJudicial HearingsArbitration

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsJudgmentCommunication SkillsCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Active California Bar License

Industry Keywords

Insurance DefenseComplex TortSouthern California CourtsADR ProceedingsClaims Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a diverse inventory of auto, general liability, and complex tort insurance defense matters from inception through trial or other resolution
Analyze substantive and procedural issues and conduct thorough legal research
Develop well-reasoned defense strategies and evaluate exposure
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 timely, practical 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
Collaborate with Claims and directly advise insureds
Serve as lead attorney on assigned files and set case strategy early

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
Staff Attorney: 3 years of relevant litigation experience, including insurance defense and complex tort matters
Senior Staff Attorney: 7 years of relevant litigation experience, including insurance defense and complex tort 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
Target caseload of 50–55 files
Strong familiarity with Southern California courts and local practices
Highly organized and comfortable working in a technology-driven environment
Candidates must reside within the State of California

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