Job Description
Job Description
Direct Counsel is seeking a Pre-Litigation Attorney to join a growing and highly regarded plaintiff-side personal injury firm in California. This full-time, in-office position offers a competitive base salary of $150,000–$200,000, plus performance-based bonuses, and provides an opportunity to lead a team of legal professionals while overseeing a high-volume pre-litigation practice.
The ideal candidate will bring substantial pre-litigation experience, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to lead and develop legal support teams in a fast-paced environment. This role is well-suited for an attorney who is passionate about client advocacy, team leadership, and driving successful case outcomes before litigation becomes necessary.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage and oversee a team of Case Managers and Assistant Case Managers handling a high-volume pre-litigation caseload.
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Lead case strategy from intake through settlement, ensuring efficient progression of matters and adherence to best practices.
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Draft, review, and approve demand packages, settlement communications, and other pre-litigation documents.
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Negotiate settlements with insurance carriers and opposing parties to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
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Monitor case deadlines, documentation, and team performance metrics to ensure quality and efficiency.
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Mentor, train, and develop team members while fostering accountability and professional growth.
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Maintain consistent communication with clients, providing updates and guidance throughout the pre-litigation process.
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Evaluate cases for litigation readiness and coordinate seamless transitions to litigation counsel when necessary.
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Collaborate with firm leadership to improve workflows, operational efficiency, and client service standards.
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Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and best practices across the pre-litigation department.
Qualifications Required
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Active California Bar admission in good standing.
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Minimum of 4 years of hands-on pre-litigation experience.
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Strong experience with demand preparation, settlement negotiations, insurance carrier communications, and case resolution.
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Demonstrated leadership experience managing, mentoring, or supervising legal support staff.
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Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of achieving favorable pre-suit settlements.
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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong organizational and case management abilities with the capacity to oversee a high-volume caseload.
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
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Commitment to working on-site in a full-time, in-office setting.
Preferred
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Plaintiff-side personal injury experience involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, slip-and-fall matters, and related claims.
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Experience handling complex or high-value pre-litigation cases.
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Familiarity with case management software.
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Proven success developing team performance and improving operational metrics.
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Experience transitioning cases from pre-litigation to litigation when appropriate.
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Strong client-service mindset with a commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience.
Compensation & Benefits
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Base salary ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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Performance-based bonus opportunities.
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Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing pre-litigation team.
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Exposure to complex and high-value personal injury matters.
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Collaborative, team-oriented work environment with significant growth potential.
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Long-term career advancement opportunities within a successful and expanding practice.
If you are a results-driven attorney with strong pre-litigation expertise and a passion for leadership, Direct Counsel encourages you to apply.