Workers Compensation Defense Attorney (House Counsel)

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Workers Compensation Division, is seeking an experienced defense attorney to join its in-house legal department. 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. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of California workers' compensation law, excellent communication, negotiation, deposition and litigation skills, and recent trial experience.

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: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with a minimum of eight (8) 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. Strives to continuously build knowledge base and technical skills. Shares expertise with others.

WHAT WE OFFER:
• Manageable Caseloads
• No Billable Hours Requirement
• Work-Life Balance/Hybrid Schedule (*subject to eligibility requirements)
• On-site Collaboration with Adjusting Staff; Opportunities to Train and Provide One-on-One Consultations
• Modernized Historical Setting in East Sacramento
• Free Lot Parking

BENEFITS:
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Retirements Savings Match
• Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Flexible Savings Accounts
• Paid Community Volunteer Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program

ABOUT US
With more than 50 years in business, BHHC has grown from a regional organization to a national insurance group, offering insurance products from coast to coast. Relationships are the cornerstone of our culture, and we believe in doing the right thing. That means we invest in our business in every way possible to deliver on our mission and demonstrate that people are what powers our success. Our commitment to financial strength and integrity means our customers can rest assured that we will be there when it counts.

At BHHC we embrace diversity and foster an environment where our people can be their authentic selves. Our differences make us stronger and better together, which fosters a harmonious workplace—something we truly value. We’ve created an approachable and collaborative atmosphere. Here you’ll find a welcoming workplace where everyone can feel valued, supported, and inspired to do great work. Together, we raise the bar by being curious, remaining customer-focused, and operating with integrity.