Claims Counsel - Surety

Overview

This position manages complex surety claims and provides legal support to underwriting and business leadership. Success requires strong surety claims experience, legal judgment, business acumen, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently adjust claims involving complex contract and commercial surety bonds in multiple jurisdictions in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.
• Select, retain, and manage outside surety claims counsel and related resources (including consultants, accountants, expert witnesses, etc.) to support best possible claim outcomes.
• Set well-reasoned reserves and control claims-handling costs and expenses.
• Attend meditations, arbitrations, and trials as needed and appropriate.
• Draft claim reports for underwriting and management.
• Assist in the creation or revision of surety claim and/or underwriting forms and documents as necessary.
• Support underwriters on the “front end” of surety transactions by drafting indemnity, collateral, and related agreements and/or reviewing and manuscripting bond forms, with short turn-around times.
• Develop legal resource and training materials for the surety function.
• Provide education and training to surety underwriting (and other selected staff) on key legal issues involving surety bonds and claims, including “lessons learned” from past surety claim experiences and outcomes.
• Research, analyze, and provide timely updates on legal developments in the surety field.
• Support a culture of personal responsibility, accountability, and open communication.
• Ensure fair and ethical policies and practices in all relationships and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in surety bond claims handling.
• Prior experience “in-house” in the surety claims department of an insurance company, is preferred.
• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school required.
• State Claims Adjuster license strongly preferred.
• Past or present membership in ABA/TIPS/FSLC a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $155,000 - $175,000.
• Base pay will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.
• Performance-based incentives may be available in addition to base salary.
• Competitive total rewards package, including:
  • Health and welfare benefits
  • Tuition and professional certification assistance
  • 401k savings
  • Elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Child bonding leave
  • Other employee assistance

Location

• Remote (fast-paced remote environment)