Claims Counsel

Overview

This role involves managing complex litigated claims primarily involving municipalities, public officials, and other public entity insureds. The position is suited for an attorney with a strong background in insurance defense who can analyze complex legal issues, collaborate with defense counsel, and develop effective litigation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 80–100 complex litigated claims involving professional liability, civil rights, and other public entity exposures.
• Evaluate liability, causation, damages, and insurance coverage for assigned claims.
• Review pleadings, discovery, expert reports, medical records, and investigative materials.
• Interview insureds, public officials, and other stakeholders to assess claim exposure.
• Interpret insurance policy language and analyze coverage issues.
• Partner with appointed defense counsel to develop litigation and resolution strategies.
• Monitor litigation activity and ensure compliance with established litigation protocols and best practices.
• Evaluate and maintain appropriate indemnity and expense reserves.
• Identify opportunities for early claim resolution and proactively manage litigation risk.
• Monitor defense counsel performance and intervene when appropriate to ensure effective case management.
• Conduct legal research related to public entity liability and emerging legal issues.
• Assist with statistical reporting and preparation of claims and loss reports.
• Participate in Claims Committee meetings and assist in preparing reports and supporting documentation.
• Serve as a resource to internal teams on claims handling, litigation strategy, and risk exposures.
• Participate in internal training, presentations, and educational initiatives.
• Stay current on legal developments, public entity claims trends, and industry best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.
• Experience providing insurance defense representation in a law firm setting.
• Experience handling complex litigated claims, including professional liability, civil rights, malpractice, or similar matters.
• Prior claims handling or litigation management experience preferred.
• Experience defending municipalities or public entities preferred.
• Experience handling governmental liability or public sector exposures preferred.
• Trial experience, including meaningful trial preparation or courtroom involvement, preferred.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to evaluate litigation risk, establish reserves, and develop resolution strategies.
• Experience managing outside defense counsel and complex litigation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Progressive Paid-Time Off program, including time off for volunteering and life events.
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
• Pretax Health and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
• Discounts in retail and entertainment.

Location

Not specified.