Claims & Coverage Counsel - In-House

Overview

An organization in the insurance industry is seeking an experienced Claims & Coverage Counsel to join their Legal & Compliance team. This role involves providing specialized legal guidance for the personal lines property and casualty (P&C) business. Reporting to the VP of Legal & Compliance, the counsel will offer legal expertise combined with business insight to shape products, guide coverage decisions, consult on complex litigation, and support claims and underwriting teams.

Responsibilities

Litigation Strategy and Advice

• Collaborate with the Claims department on complex, high-exposure claims by providing strategic counsel on reserves, risk mitigation, and litigation strategy.
• Provide real-time legal guidance on time-limit demands, conditional demands, stipulated judgments (e.g., Morris, Damron, or Cunniff style agreements), and multi-claimant settlements where policy limits are insufficient.
• Participate actively in litigation strategy conferences, attend mediations, depositions, and trials to protect the organization’s interests.
• Conduct legal research and keep stakeholders informed about developments in claims-specific case law.

Coverage Analysis & Opinions

• Draft formal internal legal opinions on complex coverage issues such as duty to defend vs. indemnify, stacking of limits, and application of exclusions.
• Approve or draft Reservation of Rights (ROR) letters, formal Denial of Coverage correspondence, rescissions, or void ab initio communications.
• Analyze state-specific claims handling statutes and advise claims staff on compliance to prevent extra-contractual exposure.
• Monitor emerging judicial trends including social inflation, nuclear verdicts, and policy "stacking," translating insights into actionable claims protocols and policy language updates.
• Collaborate across teams to draft and revise policy forms, shape product strategies, and innovate coverage solutions for emerging risks.
• Mentor colleagues, lead special projects, and share legal knowledge to advance business objectives.
• Perform other special duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in P&C insurance law, with significant expertise in personal lines liability litigation (Auto/Home).
• Experience managing multi-state first-party and third-party litigation or providing coverage counsel for a national carrier.
• Specific expertise in defending or advising on extra-contractual exposure.
• Prior litigation defense experience preferred.
• Strong legal judgment with the ability to provide pragmatic and strategic advice.
• Ability to evaluate complex liability and litigation exposures and clearly communicate risks, financial impacts, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Effective collaboration skills across all organizational levels.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including legal writing and regulatory analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Suite.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range

• Budgeted salary range: $155,200 to $184,300 USD annually.
• Full salary range: $145,500 to $242,500 USD annually.
• Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Benefits

• Remote-first work culture.
• Competitive salary and equity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life and disability coverage, including voluntary options.
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks (320 hours), with additional leave options for birthing parents.
• 401(k) company contribution of 3% of gross income regardless of employee contribution.
• Work-from-home stipend of $1,500 for home office setup.
• Annual professional development fund of $2,000.
• Monthly wellness stipend of $50.
• Paid volunteer service hours.
• Employee referral program and rewards.

Eligibility for compensation and benefits is subject to applicable plan and policy terms.

Location

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, and individuals authorized to work in the U.S. who currently reside in the United States.

Equal Opportunity

The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.