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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Parnall Law

Research and Writing Attorney

Portland, OR · On-site +1

Personal injury or civil litigation experience preferred; insurance defense or appellate background is a plus. * Ability to work collaboratively with trial attorneys and Team Leads across multiple ...

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Insurance Defense Attorney information

See Oregon salary details

$76.1K

$144.1K

$216.2K

How much do insurance defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance defense attorney in Oregon is $144,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $164,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Insurance Defense Attorney jobs

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The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon are:

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Insurance Defense Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,138 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Litigation Associate - Insurance Defense

SMITH FREED & EBERHARD PC

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

Work Directly with the Managing Partner on Complex Civil Litigation

Location: Portland, Oregon (In-Person / Hybrid Considered)

Practice Area: Insurance Defense • Civil Litigation


Some firms promise mentorship – We put you at counsel table

We are looking for an experienced litigation associate who wants more than another insurance defense position. This position is for the attorney ready to work side-by-side with our Managing Partner on complex, high-exposure litigation – not years from now, but immediately.


You will help develop litigation strategy, take depositions, argue motions, prepare witnesses, participate in mediations and trials, and work directly with clients on significant cases.


If you are looking for an environment where your work influences the outcomes of important litigation, and where your professional growth is limited only by your ability – you will find it here.


Your Practice

Work on complex commercial insurance defense litigation involving:

  • Catastrophic injury claims
  • Commercial transportation litigation
  • Premises liability
  • Products liability
  • Dram shop liability
  • Complex negligence actions
  • Other high-exposure civil litigation matters

As your experience grows, so will your opportunities. We believe talented attorneys should earn opportunities based on ability – not simply years in practice.

Why This Position Is Different

Direct Access to Firm Leadership – collaborate directly with the Managing Partner on strategy, client counseling, case evaluation and resolution strategy.


Meaningful Responsibility – from the beginning, you will have opportunities to:

  • Take and defend depositions
  • Argue contested motions
  • Develop litigation strategy
  • Attend arbitrations and mediations
  • Manage litigation from inception through resolution

Learn Defense Litigation at a Higher Level – beyond learning procedure, learn how experienced litigators evaluate risk, negotiate effectively, communicate with clients, and make strategic decisions that determine case outcomes.


Invest in Your Future – we believe outstanding attorneys are developed through challenging work, thoughtful mentorship, and meaningful litigation experience.


Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Performance bonus opportunities
  • Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Paid bar dues, CLEs, PLF, and professional memberships
  • Paid parental leave
  • Student debt assistance
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Parking or mass transit reimbursement
  • Voluntary short- or long-term disability, life, and pet insurance
  • Attorney retreats and professional development opportunities
Requirements:

We are Looking For

An attorney with:

  • Active Oregon State Bar membership
  • 3+ years of insurance defense litigation experience
  • Experience managing civil litigation files
  • Strong deposition, motion practice, and discovery skills
  • Courtroom experience, including hearings and arbitrations
  • Excellent writing and analytical abilities
  • A genuine desire to become an exceptional litigator
  • Trial experience is valued, but not required

Build Your Career Where It Matters

Exceptional litigators are not developed by managing the largest caseloads. They are developed by handling meaningful cases, working alongside experienced lawyers, and earning responsibility that accelerates their growth.


If you’re ready to take the next step in your litigation career, we would like to meet you!


Smith Freed Eberhard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service obligations or other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.