Lead Workers Compensation Attorney

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture.

Our Staff Counsel team is seeking an experienced Lead Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney licensed and residing in California. This role is anchored in our Glendale, CA office, and we offer true flexibility—in‑office, hybrid, or fully remote work arrangements for California‑based attorneys who want to practice with a well‑supported, collaborative legal team.

Position Overview: Independently investigates, manages and tries workers compensation cases. Other attorneys may be assigned to work under this attorney’s direction where case complexity requires. Serve as mentor to developing attorneys.

In This Role You Will:

• Handles a case load of California workers’ compensation cases, including high exposure losses.
• Provides direction and mentoring to others
• May assist Managing Attorney as needed in assigning cases, participating in roundtables, developing strategy, and/or evaluating staff attorneys and support staff

What You Need To Apply:

• 10+ years of experience preferred
• Must be licensed to practice law in the state of California 
• Must have workers’ compensation trial experience   
• Demonstrated ability to handle high exposure cases
• Admitted to the bar and must be licensed to practice law in the jurisdictions where assigned
• Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys, adjusters, claims professionals and support staff
• Computer literacy, including MS Word, Lexis/Westlaw, and daily management of e-mail and calendar
• Ability to travel 25% of the time (within the state of California)
• Ability to attend in-person meetings, in-person appearances/conferences trials at the WCAB
• Willing to travel outside of local county of residence

Advocacy: Exceptional ability to advocate on behalf of Hanover’s insureds in workers’ compensation disputes

Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to consistently and significantly influence claim outcomes through highly effective negotiation techniques

Communication: Strong ability to deliberately and precisely exchange thoughts and opinions with one or more persons and to effectively translate legal language and ideas into layman's terms

Decision Making: Strong ability to arrive at a determination in moderate to complex situations after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination

Organization Skills: Strong ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to effectively and efficiently maximize productivity

Investigative Skills: Proficiency in following up step by step on inquiry or observation and search and examine with care and accuracy. Consistently able to take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion

Legal Research: Proficiency in locating cases, treaties, codified laws and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a reasonable and accurate conclusion or render an opinion there from

Courtroom Skills: Demonstrates exceptional courtroom behavior, attire and decorum and is an expert with the rules and regulations that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Provides the highest professional service to clients and claims professionals

Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development. Maintains the necessary skill levels.

Trial Skills: Has a first-rate ability to effectively present evidence and arguments of law to a judge or jury for determination of the facts at issue

Business/Industry: Has an interest and solid knowledge of current and possible future policies, practices, trends and information affecting The Hanover Insurance Group’s businesses; Knowledgeable in the basic principles of workers' compensation insurance

Agile and Adaptive: Recognizes unexpected challenges and is able to be resilient, shift and remain on course.

Mentor and Teach: Willingness and ability to mentor and teach others. 

Physical demands & work environment:

• Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Required to work on-site as needed
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing or stressful environment
• Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

BENEFITS:

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you’ll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Company paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
• Click here for the full list of Benefits

EEO statement:

The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers.  The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.  

Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.” 

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at:HRServices@hanover.com and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

Privacy Policy:

To view our privacy policy and online privacy statement, click here.  

Applicants who are California residents: To see the types of information we may collect from applicants and employees and how we use it, please click here.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.