Remote Insurance Defense Paralegal

About the Company

Zirtual provides virtual paralegal support to law firms across practice areas and states, with a focus on helping attorneys run their practices more efficiently. Its paralegals are based in the U.S. and are expected to deliver dependable, practice-area-specific support for both transactional and litigation work.

Role Summary

This position is for a highly organized, tech-friendly paralegal supporting a California attorney who serves as outside general counsel for an insurance company. The practice currently handles about 140 active insurance claims, and the role is designed for someone who can bring structure, improve workflows, and help support legal operations and AI-driven initiatives.

The paralegal will serve as the primary contact for assigned client(s), work independently, and coordinate closely with both the attorney and Zirtual’s Account Supervisor. Support from the Account Supervisor may include plan updates, quality feedback, delegation guidance, and collaboration best practices.

This is a flexible, remote full-time opportunity with room to grow for the right candidate.

Working Hours and Schedule

The assignment begins at approximately 80 hours per month, with potential for the workload to increase over time. Scheduling is flexible, though candidates who can work during Pacific Time business hours are preferred. The role does not require round-the-clock availability, but consistent access during agreed business hours is expected. Time entries must be recorded daily, and communication should be answered within the response window agreed with each client.

Core Duties

The paralegal will be responsible for keeping communications organized, monitoring claims activity, supporting legal research, and improving internal processes. Tasks will differ based on client needs and practice area, but the role generally includes the following:

Inbox and Communication

• Handle a large, busy email inbox and keep messages organized.
• Spot urgent items and make sure priority matters are surfaced quickly.
• Prepare written replies and maintain clear communication threads.
• Track deadlines and follow-ups so nothing important is overlooked.

Legal Research and AI Operations

• Use AI-enabled legal tools to assist with factual and legal research.
• Support tracking and reporting of AI-related workflows within an insurance claims setting.
• Review and assess information gathered from legal research databases and AI platforms.
• Keep up with developments in legal technology and AI tools.

Claims and Matter Management

• Monitor roughly 140 active insurance claims.
• Keep case records accurate and current.
• Identify items that need attorney review or action.
• Assist with database upkeep and reporting tasks.

Process and Systems Improvement

• Build and refine standard operating procedures, workflows, and organizational systems.
• Design better methods for handling legal work and information.
• Suggest tools and process improvements that increase efficiency.
• Assist with the setup and future rollout of case management software.

Additional Support

• Help with calendar coordination and scheduling when needed.
• Arrange meetings and related logistics.
• Support special projects and other administrative initiatives.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal person is not just a task-doer, but someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity, improving operations, and helping a busy legal team stay ahead of deadlines. A collaborative, conversational work style and comfort with evolving technology will help this person thrive.

Requirements

Applicants should bring legal support experience, strong communication skills, and a high level of accuracy. The role also requires comfort with independent work, proactive problem-solving, and openness to using AI tools in a legal environment.

• Paralegal experience or comparable background in the legal industry.
• Excellent organization and strong attention to detail.
• Clear, polished written communication skills.
• Prior legal research experience.
• Willingness and ability to learn AI-powered legal tools.
• Self-directed work style with initiative to identify solutions.
• Must be based in the United States.

Preferred Background

• Experience with legal AI platforms and legal databases.
• Exposure to ChatGPT, Claude, or similar AI tools.
• Background in insurance defense, insurance coverage, or claims work.
• Experience improving systems, workflows, or operations.
• Familiarity with case management software.

Compensation and Engagement Terms

This role is offered on a 1099 independent contractor basis. When matched through the preferred network and depending on the practice area, paralegal work is expected to start at a minimum of $28 per hour. Legal assistant work is paid at $20 per hour. Final pay depends on client plan size, area of practice, and specific needs.

Zirtual does not guarantee a set number of hours or client placement. This application is for entry into the contractor network; if selected, the candidate may be considered for client opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

Recruitment Safety Notice

Zirtual warns applicants about phishing and impersonation scams. The company states that it will never request payment, banking details, credit card information, or social security numbers during hiring. It also does not provide equipment and does not ask candidates to pay for equipment.

Official recruiter emails should come only from an @zirtual.com address. If any message seems suspicious, contains poor grammar, or asks for unusual information, applicants are advised not to engage and to verify the sender’s domain before clicking links or sharing personal details. Suspected fraudulent outreach should be reported to support@zirtual.com.

Additional Information

The initial workload is described as about 80 hours per month, with growth potential. The role is especially well suited to someone who enjoys creating systems, improving processes, and working on the edge of legal technology in a fast-paced environment.