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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Our US-based paralegals strive to meet and exceed attorney-client needs and expectations. Zirtual ... Insurance defense, insurance coverage, or claims-related experience * Experience implementing ...

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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 Jul 4, 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 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in OR? For Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate - Insurance Defense Litigation- 3620170

Associate - Insurance Defense Litigation- 3620170

AMS Staffing, Inc.

Portland, OR โ€ข Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Title: Associate โ€“ Insurance Defense Litigation

Location: Portland, OR 97201

Salary/Payrate: $110K-$130K annually, bonus and AWESOME benefits!!!

Work Environment:ย  Hybrid (2 days WFH)

Term: Permanent

Bachelorโ€™s degree required: Yes

Referral Fee: AMS will pay $500 should the person you refer gets hired

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Job Description:

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Associate Attorney Openings โ€“ Insurance Defense Litigation (1,800 Billable Hours)

A civil defense litigation firm in Portland, Oregon is seeking to fill two roles within the same practice group: an Associate Attorney (1โ€“3 years of experience). Both roles require strong written and oral advocacy skills, with a focus on insurance defense litigation and insurance coverage matters. Candidates should be highly motivated attorneys who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative litigation environment and are seeking long-term professional growth within a respected defense practice.

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Basic Requirements

  • J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar (OSBA)
  • Strong written, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
  • Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, and competing priorities

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Experience Requirements (Level Dependent)

  • Associate Attorney: 1โ€“3 years of substantive litigation experience or judicial clerkship experience
  • Experience in civil defense litigation, particularly insurance coverage and extra-contractual matters
  • Ability to research insurance coverage issues and draft coverage opinions
  • Experience handling discovery, motion practice, depositions, and/or court appearances
  • Strong ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff
  • Demonstrated professionalism, ethics, and sound legal judgment
  • Judicial clerkship or prior courtroom experience (a plus, not required)

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Key Responsibilities

  • Handle litigation matters from inception through resolution, including discovery, motion practice, and case strategy development
  • Draft pleadings, discovery responses, motions, and insurance coverage opinions
  • Conduct legal research on insurance coverage and liability issues
  • Participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, and other litigation proceedings as appropriate
  • Collaborate with litigation teams to ensure efficient and effective case management
  • Maintain high-quality written work product and meet all deadlines

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Compensation & Benefits

  • Associate: approximately $110,000โ€“$130,000, depending on experience
  • Performance-based bonus opportunity
  • Full employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and LTD insurance
  • 401(k) & Profit Sharing Contributions
  • Flexible schedule with remote work access
  • Life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance
  • Transportation subsidy
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee referral bonus
  • FSA / HSA
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing contributions