Overview In this role, you will defend workers' compensation claims for employers and insurers within a litigation-focused team. You will manage a diverse caseload from intake to resolution, provide strategic defense advice, and coordinate with adjusters and clients to reduce exposure and costs while complying with laws. You'll handle pleadings, hearings, settlements, and subrogation efforts, staying current on WC statutes and regulatory changes. This position offers the opportunity to shape defense strategies and contribute to policy development in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities- Manage a diverse workers' compensation caseload from intake to resolution, including pleadings, motions, discovery, and appearances at hearings and trials
- Provide strategic defense guidance to clients and claims teams on handling, reserves, settlements, and coverage issues
- Conduct thorough investigations, review medical and expert reports, coordinate with medical/vocational experts, and prepare witnesses and exhibits
- Draft and negotiate settlements, review subpoenas and third-party demands, oversee subrogation and lien resolution
- Collaborate with claims adjusters, risk managers, and in-house counsel to develop defense strategies and maintain clear communication
- Maintain accurate case files, calendaring, and billing, meeting productivity and deadline standards
- Stay updated on WC statutes and regulatory changes, engage in continuing legal education, and contribute to training and policy development
Key requirements- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active state bar membership in good standing; licensed to practice in the relevant jurisdiction
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience defending workers' compensation claims (insurance defense or civil litigation a plus)
- Strong knowledge of workers' compensation law, claim handling practices, and administrative hearing procedures
- Excellent written and oral communication, client-focused approach, ability to explain complex issues to non-lawyers
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with strong organizational skills
- Experience with claims adjusters and understanding reserves and processes
- Proficiency with case management software and legal research tools; billing/time-tracking experience is a plus
- client-focused communication
- strong organizational skills
- detail-oriented
- case management software
- legal research tools
- billing/time-tracking software
