What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney – Insurance Litigation and Defense position at Sunset National Insurance Company?
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Attorney to handle insurance litigation and defense matters. The ideal candidate will manage a caseload involving coverage disputes, bad faith claims, and civil litigation defense on behalf of insured clients and carriers, from initial case assessment through trial or resolution.
Position Overview:
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of insurance defense litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediation, arbitration, and trial
- Analyze insurance policies to assess coverage, exclusions, and defense/indemnity obligations
- Draft and respond to demand letters, coverage position letters, and reservation of rights correspondence
- Evaluate and defend against bad faith claims (first-party and third-party)
- Coordinate with insurance adjusters, claims examiners, and carrier representatives on case strategy and reserves
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on coverage issues, liability exposure, and litigation strategy
- Prepare and argue dispositive motions (demurrers, motions for summary judgment/adjudication)
- Negotiate settlements within assigned authority and make recommendations on settlement value
- Manage litigation budgets and ensure compliance with carrier billing guidelines
- Supervise and mentor associate attorneys, paralegals, and litigation support staff as needed
- Maintain compliance with applicable state bar rules, court deadlines, and carrier reporting requirements
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in California (in good standing)
- 3 years of experience in insurance defense litigation, civil litigation, or a related practice area
- Strong working knowledge of California Insurance Code, Civil Code, and Code of Civil Procedure as applied to coverage and bad faith litigation
- Demonstrated experience with all phases of litigation, including trial experience preferred
- Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
- Strong negotiation and case evaluation abilities
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with case management software and legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis)
- Strong communication skills for interfacing with clients, carriers, opposing counsel, and the court
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience representing insurers, TPAs, or self-insured entities
- Familiarity with property/casualty, general liability, professional liability, or construction defect litigation
- Prior experience with AI-assisted legal research and document drafting tools
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Collaborative team environment with mentorship opportunities
- Professional development and continuing legal education support
- Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of litigation and transactional matters
To Apply: Please email your resume and a brief cover letter to Victor@sunsetequitygroup.com with the subject line “Paralegal Application – Donel and Associates.”
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000