Senior Attorney

Overview

This is a full-time, primarily remote Senior Attorney position with occasional in-person office visits approximately once every six weeks, plus any required court appearances. The role reports to the Supervising Practice Leader and involves managing complex litigation cases where the insured or the organization is a defendant.

Responsibilities

Case Analysis and Preparation

• Analyze, file, and review allegations; provide legal opinions to Claims personnel regarding injury case evaluation and disposition.
• Prepare responses to civil complaints and file motions related to disputes over law or liability.
• Conduct discovery activities including depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admission.
• Review insurance policies and relevant documents.
• Select legal investigators and arrange service of subpoenas and summonses.
• File additional motions as warranted by case facts and timing.
• Review medical and technical data; consult with specialists on injuries and disabilities.
• Analyze discovery information to determine settlement feasibility.
• Prepare uninsured/underinsured motorist cases for trial or arbitration.
• Prepare and submit pre-trial statements; attend pre-trial hearings and participate in jury selection.

Trial and Defense

• Develop trial strategy and prepare cases for trial.
• Conduct defense including opening statements, witness examination and cross-examination, motions, and closing arguments.
• Prepare trial briefs covering defense, applicable law, and jury instructions.
• Appear before Case Evaluation Tribunal and/or Facilitator to advocate for the defendant.
• Evaluate awards and recommend whether to accept or proceed to trial.

Client Communications and Negotiations

• Keep clients informed of case status per office guidelines.
• Advise insured parties and recommend independent counsel for potential "over-limits" judgments.
• Negotiate reasonable pre-trial settlements on behalf of the organization and insured.
• Apply cost/benefit analysis to litigation activities.
• Advise on claim payments as appropriate.
• Coordinate trial or settlement activities with co-counsel as needed.
• Recommend appeals to the Appeals Committee based on case facts and recovery prospects.

Legal Advice and Guidance

• Provide legal advice and opinions to Claims personnel on coverage, liability, and damages.
• Conduct Examinations Under Oath in consultation with Practice Leader.
• Participate regularly in Claims Legal Council Program.
• Serve on office committees as a member.
• Mentor less experienced attorneys within areas of expertise.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Required Qualifications

Education and Licensing

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of the applicable state.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years as a licensed attorney in personal injury, no-fault, or insurance litigation;

OR

• Three (3) years as an Associate Attorney at Staff Counsel with yearly performance reviews of Fully Met Expectations or higher.

Knowledge

• Civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Legal research methods and materials.
• Discovery methods and techniques.
• Mediation rules and procedures.
• General claims procedures.
• Tort liability law and applicable defenses.
• Insurance law including Uniform Trade Practices Law and Bad Faith Actions.
• Principles of insurance contract construction and interpretation.
• Policies for all lines of coverage.
• Michigan Court Rules and motion practice.
• Rules of evidence and techniques for introducing or excluding evidence.
• Standard and nonstandard jury instructions.
• Professional ethics related to house counsel and insured relationships.
• Office standards and procedures.
• Legal research tools.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication with attorneys, court officers, public, and others.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and present facts and evidence clearly in written and oral form.
• Proficiency with office computer software including litigation management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trial experience.
• Experience in first-party no-fault or auto insurance defense litigation.
• Knowledge of defense trial practice through research, seminars, presentations, or professional memberships.
• Familiarity with company operations and quality of service.
• Strong performance on Attorney Productivity metrics.
• Knowledge of Michigan’s No-Fault Act and significant case law.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range: $110,000 - $150,000, with annual bonus potential based on performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 401(k) match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement

Work Environment

• Primarily remote work with office visits approximately once every six weeks.
• Occasional travel for meetings, collaboration, or team activities as required.
• Subject to change based on organizational policies.

Additional Information

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified applicants as needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
• Employment contingent on successful background and drug screening.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Location

• Remote with occasional office visits and court appearances as required.