Claims Counsel

Overview

This role is part of the Claims Legal team, providing settlement authority and strategic support for claims and exposures exceeding the line unit’s authority. The position involves analyzing jurisdictional issues, ensuring consistency in claims positions, and consulting on complex claim files.

Responsibilities

• Consult with claims staff on coverage, indemnification, policy limit demand reviews, indemnity agreement review, and release language review.
• Identify coverage issues requiring outside counsel and coordinate with outside counsel as needed.
• Handle some policyholder suits directly and manage litigation with outside counsel; attend mediations as necessary.
• Assist in training claims staff on jurisdictional issues and Fair Claims Practices.
• Respond to insurance claims inquiries from various departments.
• Collaborate closely with the Claims Legal team to support claims staff.
• Track claim files reported to Claims Legal, maintain organization, and diary cases for follow-up.
• Participate in roundtable discussions on claims topics, including trial authority, and lead follow-up actions.
• Work with Panel Counsel to ensure consistent service to insureds; may lead efforts to identify new panel firms.
• Coordinate with Claims Legal Analyst to ensure consistent reinsurance reporting.
• Analyze complex insurance claims and develop recommendations for claims staff.
• Manage conflicting requests from multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively and work independently and collaboratively.
• Interface with multiple organizational levels.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.
• Manage time effectively to handle competing priorities.
• Conduct legal research and stay current with case law and regulatory changes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the bar in any of the following states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in property and casualty insurance.
• Experience working within an insurance company claims department and/or law firm.
• Strongly preferred experience in First Party Property claims and coverage litigation.
• Preferred experience with adjustment and oversight of complex claims.
• Preferred experience in California and Washington jurisdictions.
• CPCU designation preferred.
• Valid driver’s license may be required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $114,364.00 - $190,607.00 (base salary range; actual salary may vary based on experience and location).
• Potential eligibility for additional compensation such as bonuses and benefits.
• Paid Time Off: 21 days accrued during the first year.
• Nine paid holidays plus two floating holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with up to 87% coverage for employees and family members.
• Basic Life & AD&D insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Leave management support.
• Long Term Disability and Short Term Disability (outside California).
• Family caregiver support and child care resources.
• Business travel accident protection.
• Voluntary benefits including life and AD&D insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, hospital indemnity, accidental injury, critical illness, legal services, and identity protection.
• Recognition programs including quarterly and annual bonuses.
• Competitive base compensation with spot bonuses and annual incentive/profit sharing programs.
• Discount partnerships for gym memberships, credit unions, travel, shopping, restaurants, and theme parks.
• Insurance educational reimbursement and bonus programs.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Paid volunteer time through company events and personal volunteer opportunities.
• Home and auto insurance discount program.
• Retirement savings plans (401k and Roth) with company match.
• Wellness platform, health savings account match, and financial wellness resources.

Work Environment & Location

• This is a remote position.
• Ideally based in Orange County, California, including cities such as Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange, Huntington Beach, and Fullerton.