Senior Manager, Staff Counsel - Hackensack, NJ

Overview

A legal team is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee multiple Staff Counsel office activities in New Jersey. This role involves managing defense litigation related to liability and property damage suits involving insured clients, as well as subrogation, Uninsured Motorist (UM), and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claims filed in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team handling defense of lawsuits against insureds in liability and property damage cases, and represent the organization in UM/UIM and subrogation suits.
• Interview and approve candidates for employment.
• Conduct and review performance appraisals for associates.
• Initiate or approve salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes.
• Counsel associates and take disciplinary actions or terminate employment as appropriate.
• Represent insureds in liability, UM/UIM, subrogation, and property damage cases in various courts.
• Research laws and prepare legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda.
• Provide opinions on liability, damage, and value as requested by the Claims Department.
• Prepare and handle pleadings, motions, discovery, depositions, examinations before trial, and other deadlines.
• Train and supervise less experienced attorneys, assist as first or second chair counsel, and monitor compliance with bar requirements including Continuing Legal Education (CLE).
• Provide feedback on file handling quality and expense management.
• Review office reports and implement improvements to office statistics such as report timeliness, productivity, client and claims survey results, resolution ratios, and subrogation outcomes.
• Adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct, policies, and operating principles.
• Maintain required attendance standards to facilitate interaction with subordinates and management.

Requirements

• Ability to travel as required for trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings, and conferences.
• Ability to perform essential functions including concentration, reading, writing, listening, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, lifting, and standing for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Professional communication skills in person, by telephone, and in written correspondence.
• Ability to document files clearly and professionally for understanding by customers, clients, and colleagues.
• Ability to follow complex instructions, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate strong organizational, priority-setting, and multitasking skills.
• Proven successful performance handling primary trial responsibility for cases of significant severity and complexity.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
• Licensed in good standing to practice law in applicable jurisdictions and maintain licensing requirements including mandatory CLE.
• Minimum of 10 years of litigation experience, including insurance defense or personal injury.
• Management experience required, specifically managing a team of attorneys and support staff.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range: $166,050.00 - $260,350.00.
• Final salary offer depends on role scope, candidate experience, education, training, work location, and market considerations.
• Comprehensive benefits program including competitive compensation, 401(k) plan with 6% match vested from day one, performance and recognition incentives, and tuition assistance.
• Additional benefits include mental healthcare, fertility and adoption assistance.
• Flexible work arrangements with hybrid location and options to work remotely up to four weeks per year.

Location

• Hybrid work arrangement based in New Jersey.

Additional Information

• The organization provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other protected status.
• Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.
• The work environment promotes respect and prohibits discrimination and harassment.