House Counsel (Workers Compensation)
San Diego, CA, United States
BASIC FUNCTION Our House Counsel is responsible for managing a designated caseload of workers compensation cases of moderate to high complexity and steering to successful resolution. This professional is a strategic partner with our Adjusting staff, researching issues in dispute and developing/calibrating appropriate legal strategies throughout the progression of the litigation process. ONSITE REQUIREMENT (NON-NEGOTIABLE) This is a hybrid opportunity requiring a minimum of three days per work week onsite in our San Diego office; Wednesday being a required all-hands Collaboration Day.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Performs file review upon case assignment and provides detailed analysis of legal issues. Conducts appropriate legal research and provides well-reasoned plan of action to address.
Prepares pleadings, discovery devices, deposition outlines, petitions, motions, summations, trial/appellate briefs in support of defense strategy.
Provides effective and timely communications, information, and legal advice to Adjusting staff on legal and factual issues.
Independently prepares deposition strategy/outline to effectively interview deponent. Attends and timely reports on interview; identifies additional needs.
Independently prepares and presents witnesses and evidence at trials, administrative hearings and arbitrations. Attends and timely reports on proceedings.
Demonstrates professional diplomacy and discretion when communicating with the Court/Board, witnesses, opposing counsel or co-counsel.
Effectively and timely negotiates settlements for optimal case outcome.
Participates in Claims reviews and roundtables as appropriate.
Effectively utilizes support staff consistent with departmental/company protocols and industry best practices.
Actively participates in continuing education of Adjusting staff on case law updates, legal strategies and best practices.
Proactively attends continuing legal education seminars or seeks other appropriate training avenues to maintain highest level of professional/technical expertise.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : Law degree (LLB or JD) from an accredited law school with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience litigating workers compensation cases as a member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
LANGUAGE ABILITY : Able to read, analyze, and interpret complex legal documents, legal opinions, claims laws and regulations, technical claims processes and procedures, and medical reports. Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, Claims Adjusting teams, and clients.
NEGOTIATION ABILITY : Seeks to find common interests around which agreement may be reached. Develops and adheres to a negotiation strategy. Offers compromises while standing firm on the important points. Is persuasive.
MATH ABILITY : Able to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, rate, ratio and percent; Familiar with the time value of money and reducing future streams of payments to a present value. Familiar with the concept of statistical likelihood as the basis for calculating the value of a possible financial outcome.
REASONING ABILITY : Able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Able to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
TECHNICAL AND COMPUTER SKILLS : Strong workers’ compensation law and industry knowledge complemented by claims adjusting knowledge. Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and job-related proprietary software, including CounselLink. Strives to continuously build knowledge base and technical skills. Shares expertise with others.
In accordance with the California Equal Pay Act, the pay scale for this job is $165,000 - $195,000. This pay scale is an estimate of the salary range the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position based on potential employee qualifications, operational needs and other considerations consistent with applicable law. The actual salary may be above or below the range. The pay scale applies only to this position and only if it is filled in California. The pay scale may be different for other positions or in other locations.
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