Claims Counsel, Public Entities

Overview

An insurance service provider specializing in specialty programs for commercial insurance brokers and carriers is seeking an experienced Claims Counsel. This role focuses on managing complex litigated claims involving municipalities, public officials, and other public entity insureds. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in insurance defense, enjoy analyzing complex legal issues, collaborating with defense counsel, and developing litigation strategies for successful claim resolution.

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 required.
• 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.