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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Insurance Defense Attorney information

See Hawaii salary details

$74.8K

$141.6K

$212.5K

How much do insurance defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance defense attorney in Hawaii is $141,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,400.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Insurance Defense Attorney Do?

As an insurance defense attorney, your responsibilities are to provide civil litigation and insurance defense for a client or company. To accomplish this work as a lawyer, you analyze complex factual and legal issues, conduct research, create pleadings, and work on written discovery and depositions. You also provide timely communication to clients, courts, and other relevant parties, as well as help your client sue for breach of contract and provide other types of legal protection. You frequently communicate with courts, opposing counsel, co-counsel, and witnesses, and may prepare and present these witnesses at trials, hearings, arbitrations, and other types of dispute resolution.

What is an Insurance Defense Attorney?

An Insurance Defense Attorney is a lawyer who represents insurance companies and their policyholders in legal disputes, typically involving claims of liability or damages. Their primary role is to defend clients against lawsuits and help resolve claims efficiently, either through negotiation, settlement, or litigation. They often handle cases related to personal injury, property damage, professional liability, and other insurance-related matters. These attorneys analyze claims, develop legal strategies, and protect the interests of their clients throughout the legal process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Insurance Defense Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insurance Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong litigation skills, and in-depth knowledge of insurance law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-discovery tools is essential. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, managing complex caseloads, and achieving successful outcomes in insurance-related disputes.

What is the difference between Insurance Defense Attorney vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance Defense AttorneyClaims Adjuster
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require a bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, insurance companies, government agenciesInsurance companies, third-party administrator offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, litigation, legal adviceClaims processing, investigation, settlement
Common Search/ComparisonLegal expertise, courtroom workClaims handling, settlement negotiation

Insurance Defense Attorneys primarily provide legal representation and advice in insurance disputes and litigation, requiring a law degree and license. Claims Adjusters focus on investigating and settling claims, often with a high school diploma or degree. While both roles work within the insurance industry, attorneys handle legal proceedings, whereas adjusters manage claims processing and negotiations.

What are some common challenges faced by Insurance Defense Attorneys in managing their caseloads?

Insurance Defense Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases simultaneously, each with its own deadlines, discovery requirements, and client communications. Managing competing priorities and staying organized is essential to ensure timely filings and effective representation. Attorneys in this field must also adapt to changing case strategies, evolving legal precedents, and frequent negotiations with opposing counsel, making time management and clear communication critical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Insurance Defense Attorney job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in HI? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in HI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,640 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Workers Compensation Claims Examiner III

Workers Compensation Claims Examiner III

Tristar Insurance

Honolulu, HI • On-site, Remote

$32.50 - $44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

This is a Hybrid position with the potential to be remote.

POSITION SUMMARY: At the Direction of the Claims Supervisor and/or Manager - manages all aspects of complex and litigated indemnity claims from inception to conclusion within established authority and guidelines.

This position requires considerable interaction with clients, claimants, Medical providers, Attorneys, vendors, Nurse and Vocational Case Managers and other TRISTAR staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Effectively manages a caseload of indemnity claim files, including very complex and

litigated claims.*

· Initiates and conducts investigation in a timely manner.*

· Determines compensability of claims and administer benefits based upon state law and

TRISTAR Best Practices for claim handling.*

· Manages medical treatment and medical billing, authorizing as appropriate.*

· Refers cases to outside defense counsel and participates in litigated matters.*

· Communicates with claimants, attorneys, providers and vendors regarding claims

issues.*

· Work in an organized and proactive manner.*

· Computes and set reserves within Company guidelines.*

· Settles and/or finalize all claims and obtains authority as designated.*

· Maintains diary system for case review and documents file to reflect the status and work

being performed on the file, including a plan of action.*

· Communicates appropriate information promptly to the client to resolve claims efficiently,

including any injury trends or other safety related concerns.*

· Conducts file reviews as scheduled by the client and management.*

· Identify and review claims for Apportionment assignment.*

· Identify and investigate subrogation potential and pursue recovery.*

· Identify claim standard criteria for excess reporting and reimbursement.*

· Assist with State Audit and reporting responses.*

· Mentors less experienced Examiners

· Other duties as assigned and including claims management of other jurisdictional

workers’ comp claims.

· Adheres to all TRISTAR company policies and procedures.* * Essential job function.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED/USED: Computer, 10-key, fax machine, copier, printer, and other office equipment.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR CLOTHING: Appropriate office attire

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education/Experience: Minimum five (5) or more years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Technical knowledge of statutory regulations and medical terminology.

· Analytical skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to convey technical

details to claimants, clients and staff.

· Ability to interact with persons at all levels in the business environment.

· Ability to independently and effectively manage very complex claims.

· Proficient in Word and Excel (preferred).

Other Qualifications:

Licenses as required by Jurisdiction.

Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy in this role:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. MENTAL EFFORTa. Reasoning development::X Follow one- or two-step instructions; routine, repetitive task.Carry out detail but uninvolved written or verbal instructions; deal with a few concrete variables.Follow written, verbal, or diagrammatic instructions; several concrete variables.X Solve practical problems; variety of variables with limited standardization; interpret instructions.Logical or scientific thinking to solve problems; several abstract and concrete variables.Wide range of intellectual and practical problems; comprehend most obscure concepts.

b. Mathematical development:

Simple additional and subtraction; copying figures, counting, and recording.X Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.Arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages. Arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric calculations.Advanced mathematical and statistical techniques such as calculus, factor analysis, and probability determination.Highly complex mathematical and statistical techniques such as calculus, factor analysis, and probability determination; requires theoretical application.

c. Language development:X Ability to understand and follow verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifyinginformation; request supplies verbally or in writing.Ability to file, post, and mail materials; copy data from one record to another; interview to obtain basic information such as age, occupation, and number of children; guide people and provide basic direction.Ability to transcribe dictation; make appointments and process mail; write form letters or routine correspondence; interpret written work instructions; interview job applicants.Ability to compose original correspondence, follow technical manuals, and have increased contact with people.Ability to report, write, or edit articles for publication; prepare deeds, contracts or leases, prepare and deliver lectures; interview, counsel, or advise people; evaluate technical data.

2. PHYSICAL EFFORTa. Physical activity required to perform the job:Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.Light work:a. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionallyb. Exerting up to 10 pounds frequentlyc. Exerting a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects(If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work).X Medium work:a. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionallyb. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequentlyc. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objectsHeavy work:a. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionallyb. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequentlyc. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Very heavy work:a. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionallyb. Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force constantly to move objectsc. Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

b. Visual requirements necessary to perform the job:Far vision: clarity of vision at 20 feet or moreX Near vision: clarity of vision at 20 inches or lessX Mid-range vision: clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feetDepth perception: the ability to judge distance and space relationships, so as to see objects where and as they actually areColor vision: ability to identify and distinguish colorsField of vision: ability to observe an area up or down or to the right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point

2. PHYSICAL EFFORT (cont.)

FREQUENCY

c. Physical activity necessary to perform the job and frequency (e.g., continually,frequently, or occasionally):Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, andthe like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing,or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.X Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.X Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.X Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.X Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.X Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.X Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances.

OccasionallyOccasionallyOccasionallyOccasionallyOccasionallyOccasionally

X Pushing: Using upper extremities top press against something with steady force inorder to thrust forward, downward, or outward.X Pulling: Using upper extremities to extent force in order to drag, haul, or tugobjects in a sustained motion.FootMotion: Using feet to push pedals. X Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objectshorizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.X Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working with fingers rather thanwith the whole hand or arm as in handling.X Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

OccasionallyOccasionallyOccasionallyFrequentlyOccasionally

2. PHYSICAL EFFORT (cont.)

FREQUENCY

X Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Thoseactivities in which workers must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.X Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds with or without correction. Ability toreceive detailed information through verbal communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making find adjustments on machined parts.Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, ortexture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.X Repetitive Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands,Motion: and/or fingers.

FrequentlyFrequentlyFrequently

3. WORKING CONDITIONSDisagreeable job conditions to which the employee may be exposed and the frequency (e.g., continually, frequently, or occasionally) of this exposure.

 

WORKING CONDITIONENVIRONMENTALFACTOR

NATURE/REASONOF EXPOSURE

FREQUENCY

Dirt/Dust

  

Noise

  

Temperature extremes

  

Dampness

  

Vibrations

  

Equipment movement hazard

Chemicals/solvents

Electrical shock

Significant work pace/pressure

Odors/Fumes

Other (specify)