Overview
This role reports to the AVP, Head of Surety Claims and involves handling simple to mid-level complexity surety claims. The Associate Surety Legal Counsel will provide legal advice, transactional support, and surety education to internal Surety Underwriters. The position also supports the Head of Surety Claims with related tasks and projects as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Independently manage surety claims matters of simple to mid-level complexity in both Contract and Commercial sectors, identifying recovery opportunities to mitigate loss.
- Develop strong working relationships with Surety Underwriting and Operations teams globally.
- Provide timely and accurate legal counsel on surety underwriting and business matters, including reviewing, drafting, or revising indemnity agreements, bonds, riders, counter-guarantees, international indemnity deeds/agreements, risk participation agreements, reimbursement agreements, letters of credit, intercreditor agreements, and related banking and surety documents with limited supervision.
- Assist in preparation and presentation of monthly and quarterly claims reporting.
- Support preparation and delivery of periodic educational sessions for internal surety underwriting and operations staff.
- Coordinate with global Surety teams to ensure alignment on risk, legal, and underwriting issues.
- Collaborate with outside counsel and consultants on claim and underwriting matters.
- Obtain and maintain required state adjuster’s licenses.
- Actively participate in surety industry groups and local surety events.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; admission in a Canadian province is a plus.
- 5-7 years of legal experience in the Surety industry, preferably including in-house experience at a Surety Company; experience with financial institution/banking matters is a plus.
- Proven track record managing simple to mid-level surety claims and providing underwriting legal and transactional support, preferably with cross-border experience.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and attention to detail, data, and analytics.
- Experience with Canadian and/or other cross-border underwriting and indemnity matters preferred.
- Experience in litigation management and coordination with outside counsel.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills for multidisciplinary, cross-border team collaboration.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently with limited oversight and know when to consult with the Head of Surety Claims on unique or unfamiliar matters.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Basic awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies and enthusiasm for learning and integrating AI into business processes.
Compensation and Benefits
- Total compensation range: $140,000 - $190,000, based on experience, skills, and location.
- Competitive salary with annual bonus eligibility and/or commission opportunities.
- 401(k) discretionary match up to 6%.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Health and wellness benefits.
- Paid time off including vacation, illness, Birthday Day Off, and Volunteer Day Off.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Family care resources, including fertility and adoption benefits.
Location
Position is based in North America.
Candidates who meet some but not all criteria are encouraged to apply.