Associate Staff Attorney, Workers' Compensation

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Join a growing California Workers' Compensation Legal team where you'll gain meaningful litigation experience, receive structured mentorship, and build a long-term legal career with support of a respected national carrier.

At The Hartford, we’re continuing to invest in the growth of our Workers’ Compensation legal team across California. This Associate Attorney role is designed for an early-career attorney who is eager to build strong litigation skills, deepen their understanding of California workers’ compensation law, and develop within a collaborative in-house legal environment.

As a Workers' Compensation Attorney, you'll represent The Hartford and its policyholders in workers' compensation matters from inception through resolution. Our Associate Attorneys actively manage their own caseloads, with support and mentorship from management and experienced attorneys. As a result, the role involves much more than supporting the defense function or gaining exposure to the work. You’ll work closely with experienced Staff and Senior Staff Attorneys, Claims Partners, and legal leaders who are committed to your development and success.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking mentorship, practical litigation experience, and a long-term career path with a company known for integrity, service, and legal excellence. The role is primarily remote within California, with required appearances and periodic travel based on case needs.

Why Join The Hartford?

• Structured Growth and Mentorship - Build confidence and capability through ongoing training, regular coaching, and mentorship from experienced California workers’ compensation attorneys.

• Hands-On Litigation Experience - Gain practical exposure to depositions, hearings, WCAB proceedings, settlements, discovery, and trial preparation while developing toward greater independence over time.

• Collaborative In-House Partnership - Work side by side with Claims Partners and senior attorneys, learning how legal strategy, claims handling, and business priorities intersect in an in-house practice.

• Flexible Remote Work Environment - Work remotely day to day from California, with occasionally required in-person appearances based on case needs.

• Resources That Support Success - Benefit from legal technology, professional development opportunities, continuing legal education support, and a supportive network of attorneys and legal professionals.

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership in handling California workers’ compensation defense matters under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
• Contribute to case strategy development through factual investigation, legal research, file analysis, and practical risk evaluation.
• Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, settlement documents, and petitions with appropriate supervision and feedback.
• Prepare for and participate in depositions, hearings, trials, and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Communicate case status, legal analysis, recommendations, and next steps to Claims Partners and internal stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Strengthen your litigation skills while developing toward full ownership of case management responsibilities.
• Coordinate with opposing counsel, WCAB staff, experts, and external vendors consistent with office procedures and case strategy.
• Participate in team huddles, case roundtables, file reviews, and strategy discussions to strengthen legal outcomes and support continued learning.
• Stay current on changes in California workers’ compensation law, WCAB procedures, and legal technology; maintain continuing legal education as required.

Qualifications

• Associate Attorney: 0–2 years of legal practice experience, including internships, clerkships, early litigation exposure, or comparable legal experience. California workers’ compensation experience is helpful but not required.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California and member in good standing of the applicable Bar Association.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral communication skills.
• Legal internship, law clerkship, or early-career litigation experience preferred.
• Familiarity with workers’ compensation, insurance defense, civil litigation, or insurance-related matters is helpful but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and develop toward independent case handling with appropriate guidance.
• Professional, client-focused communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed legal and claims environment.
• Comfort working in a primarily remote environment and using technology to support a paperless legal practice.

Benefits That Support Your Well-Being

At The Hartford, we believe our employees perform their best when they feel supported both professionally and personally. Employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive compensation, along with an annual incentive bonus plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Generous Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Employee discounts and additional voluntary benefits
• Company-provided equipment, internet reimbursement, and role-related expense reimbursements

We are seeking applicants who reside in California for this remote attorney role, which supports opportunities across the state. Coverage areas may include Northern California—such as the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley—as well as Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

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