Workers' Compensation Lawyer/Associate

Remote (California) | $115,000 – $140,000 + Bonus

Comley Fresch, LLP is hiring a California-licensed Workers' Compensation Associate Attorney to join our team. This is a fully remote position open to attorneys anywhere in California. We handle a statewide caseload and are looking for someone who wants real ownership of their files, the flexibility of working from home, and the opportunity to grow with a firm that is genuinely invested in both its clients and its people.

Workers' compensation experience is a plus, but it is not required. If you are a motivated attorney who is willing to learn the system, we are willing to train you. What matters most is that you are hardworking, a strong communicator, and genuinely care about getting good outcomes for injured workers.

You will manage applicant-side workers' compensation cases from intake through settlement, with meaningful autonomy and the support you need to succeed. Most hearings are conducted remotely, but you will be expected to attend in-person hearings, trials, and depositions when required. Typical in-person appearances can generally be anticipated and planned for in advance.

•    Conduct client intake interviews and evaluate new workers' compensation claims for viability and strategy.

•    Manage a caseload of applicant-side California workers' compensation matters from intake through settlement or trial.

•    Draft and file Applications for Adjudication, DWC-1 claim forms, Declarations of Readiness to Proceed, Petitions, and related pleadings.

•    Appear at Mandatory Settlement Conferences, Status Conferences, Priority Conferences, Expedited Hearings, and trials — most remotely, with in-person appearances as needed.

•    Take and defend depositions of applicants, employer witnesses, and medical experts.

•    Handle QME and AME panel disputes, strike process, and communications under CCR § 31.5.

•    Review and analyze medical records, QME/AME reports, PDRS ratings, and sub rosa investigations.

•    Negotiate Compromise & Release and Stipulations with Request for Award settlements, including coordination of MSA and lien resolution where applicable.

•    Address lien claims, medical provider billing issues, and Labor Code § 3751 compliance.

•    Pursue ancillary and related claims where appropriate, including Serious & Willful, Labor Code § 132a discrimination, and reopening petitions under Labor Code §§ 5803 / 5804.

•    Communicate regularly and clearly with clients, keeping them informed and supported throughout their case.

•    Maintain accurate case notes, deadlines, and calendaring in the firm's case management system.

Required:

•    Active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.

•    Based in California (the position is fully remote but requires California residency to cover in-person appearances).

•    Strong written and oral communication skills.

•    Ability to independently manage a caseload, calendar deadlines, and work effectively in a remote environment.

•    Willingness to attend in-person hearings, trials, and depositions statewide when required.

Preferred (but not required):

•    Prior experience handling California workers' compensation matters on either the applicant or defense side.

•    Familiarity with EAMS, DWC procedures, and the PDRS rating methodology.

•    Spanish language proficiency.

•    Base salary of $115,000 – $140,000, depending on experience.

•    Performance bonuses based on fees recovered — the more successful you are for your clients, the more you earn.

•    Fully remote work with a flexible schedule.

•    All software and case management tools provided.

•    Reimbursement for travel to in-person hearings, trials, and depositions.

•    State Bar dues, MCLE, and professional development support.

We are a remote-first firm with a collegial, supportive culture — but make no mistake, we are serious about the work. We measure ourselves by two things: happy clients and successful outcomes on their cases. If those are the things that motivate you too, you will fit in well here. We give our attorneys the autonomy to run their files, the resources to do it right, and the recognition (and compensation) that comes with doing it well.

Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter describing your interest in the role, and a writing sample. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Comley Fresch, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.