Insurance Defense Managing Attorney

Zenith is a team of Workers' Compensation Specialists committed to helping businesses succeed by protecting against the financial and human consequences of workplace injuries, providing for the needs of injured employees and making the workplace safer. To distinguish ourselves as the desired provider of Workers' Compensation Insurance, values such as collaboration, work-life balance, and integrity are placed at the center of all our operations.

In addition, Zenith supports career advancement through a dedication to ongoing learning and development. An individual coming to Zenith will not only receive competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, but continuous opportunities to grow as a professional.

This individual will join the team that is responsible for civil litigation that arises from the P&C (Agribusiness) division of Zenith, and will NOT be involved in Workers Compensation litigation
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This person can sit remotely anywhere in California but must be available to attend hearings and depositions as needed on an in-person basis.

This position is part of the legal team responsible for managing and defending civil litigation arising from Zenith's P&C Agribusiness operations. This roles does not involve Workers' Compensation litigation. The Insurance Defense Managing Attorney will serve as the primary handling attorney for a portfolio of litigated and non-litigated insurance defense matters, including civil personal injury, automobile liability, and premises liability claims.

Case assignments will be based on complexity, potential exposure, and strategic importance. The role requires an attorney who is ready and willing to remain actively engaged in the day-to-day practice of litigation while also contributing beyond individual case management. The successful candidate will bring the judgement, credibility, and leadership experience necessary to help evaluate, develop, and build the Company's in-house handling of insurance defense matters over time.

Success in this role requires both exceptional litigation skills and the ability to contribute strategically to the continued evolution of Zenith's in-house insurance defense model. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing complex matters, advising partners, and helping shape the future direction of the Company's legal function.

Litigation Leadership and Case Management

• Independently manage all phases of insurance defense matters, including factual and expert investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, expert discovery, mediation, settlement negotiations, trial preparation, and trial.
• Handle a portfolio of litigated and non-litigated matters with varying levels of complexity and exposure while consistently delivering high-quality legal work, sound judgment, and practical strategic advice.
• Develop and execute case strategies aligned with the legal, financial, and business considerations applicable to each matter.
• Provide timely, analytically sound evaluations of liability, damages, litigation exposure, settlement opportunities, and case value; promptly communicate material changes to legal, claims, and business partners.
• Prepare and present persuasive written and oral advocacy before courts, mediators, arbitrators, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.

Strategic Legal Partnership

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to claims professionals, business leaders, and other internal stakeholders regarding litigation strategy, risk assessment, case resolution, and related legal issues.
• Partner with claims leadership to identify litigation trends, emerging risks, and opportunities to improve claim and litigation outcomes.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in all formats and settings, including client meetings, claims file conferences, written reporting, negotiations, and court proceedings.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant case law, procedural rules, technology, local requirements, and legal and insurance industry developments that may affect liability litigation.
• In-House Defense Capability Development
• Contribute meaningfully to the assessment, development, and expansion of the Company’s in-house insurance defense capabilities while maintaining an active litigation portfolio.
• Provide informed recommendations regarding appropriate case selection, operating practices, workload considerations, legal service delivery, and opportunities to increase effective in-house handling.
• Lead, influence, or materially…