Senior Defense Attorney

Job DescriptionSenior Defense Attorney - High-Exposure LitigationSome defense roles are about moving files. This one is about owning the case when the stakes are real.My client is a nationally recognized AM 200 law firm handling some of the most visible and emotionally charged defense matters in the country. They represent ONE marquee national client-a household-name corporate security services company-and are building a senior-level role around judgment, credibility, and leadership.This attorney will serve as the primary Northern California point person, trusted to step into matters that attract media attention, demand discretion, and require more than motion practice.What You'll Be Trusted WithDirect ownership of high-exposure litigation involving: Premise Liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injury...Acting as lead strategist and advisor to one sophisticated national clientMaking real-time judgment calls when the playbook doesn't existHandling matters that may be public, sensitive, and closely watchedPotential oversight and mentoring of other attorneys or teams nationallyThe Experience That MattersThis role is about substance, not optics.The right background includes:8+ years of California insurance defense litigation experience (not just bar admission)Meaningful involvement in high-stakes cases-even if your trial role was second-chair, as long as it was realComfort stepping into matters mid-stream and taking control with minimal hand-holdingExperience being the face of a case when clients, carriers, or the media are paying attentionAdjacent experience is welcome, including:Premises liabilityNegligent securityCatastrophic lossTransportation / trucking defenseInjury-heavy construction defectHospitality liabilityWhy This Role Is DifferentOne major national client instead of juggling dozensEmphasis on judgment, leadership, and trust, not volumeFlexible work structure: remote, hybrid, or in-officeOccasional meetings in the firm's downtown San Francisco officeClear visibility and internal importance-this is a priority hireInterested?If you're the kind of defense attorney who stays calm when cases get loud-and wants responsibility, not bureaucracy-this role is worth a confidential conversation.All inquiries are CONFIDENTIAL.For more information, contact Paul Pankratz at paul.pankratz@gogpac.com