Overview
This role provides legal representation by managing and supervising outside counsel handling complex litigation involving either the organization and/or its insureds, in accordance with established corporate guidelines and the applicable code of professional responsibility. Responsibilities include performing basic initial coverage review and drafting Reservation of Rights letters on certain matters, with the possibility of providing legal advice to business partners as needed.
Internal candidates may apply regardless of location and will be considered based on the needs of the role.
Compensation & Benefits
- Position Compensation Range: $113,000.00 - $194,000.00 (Salary)
- Compensation may vary based on job level and geographic work location.
- Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.
Benefits include access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing benefits; a competitive 401(k) contribution; a pension plan; an annual incentive; 9 paid holidays; and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). A student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are also available.
Responsibilities
- Proactively manage outside counsel to achieve successful outcomes.
- Hold outside counsel accountable for meeting organizational requirements.
- Develop and implement appropriate defense strategy across the file lifecycle, including:
- Initial file analysis and strategy
- Following the strategy through litigation
- Adjusting strategy as litigation dictates
- Adhere to litigation best practices, including developing strategy, appropriate motion practice, and proper trial preparations.
- Escalate and report on files in a timely manner as required.
- Collaborate in regular meetings/communications with management and attorney team members to review:
- File handling and strategy
- Reserving practices
- Risk management
- Process adherence and performance
- Present files effectively to senior leadership.
- Actively manage the file cycle, including timely file closing.
- Implement appropriate reserving practices, including early recognition of reserve deficiencies, timely adjustments, and obtaining authority when appropriate.
- Identify coverage issues early, including drafting Reservation of Rights letters, incorporating coverage analysis/status into case evaluations, and engaging Coverage partners as appropriate.
- Perform basic initial coverage review on assigned matters.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service.
- Demonstrated experience preparing civil pleadings, motions, discovery, and deposing witnesses.
- Demonstrated litigation experience.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of rules of Professional Responsibility for the jurisdiction in which they practice.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of tort, contract, and insurance law.
- Juris Doctor.
- Bar admission requirements:
- Admitted to the state bar in the state where they are located or
- (1) admission to the bar within one year of hire for individuals who must pass a bar exam or portions of a bar exam to be admitted or
- (2) bar admission as soon as practicable but no later than 60 days of hire for individuals with diploma privilege or who are eligible for in-house counsel registration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with external counsel management.
- Experience with first- and third-party bad faith litigation in western U.S. states.
Additional Requirements / Specialized Knowledge & Skills
- Must take and pass an adjuster license exam within 6 months of hire.
Travel Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Work primarily involves sitting/standing.
Additional Information
- New Employee Orientation is required during the first week. It is held in person at the Madison, WI Headquarters or one of the organization’s core locations; at times, sessions may be delivered virtually based on scheduling and availability.
- Offer to selected candidate is contingent on the results of applicable background checks.
- Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions.
- Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting.
Equal Opportunity: The employer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Consideration is given to qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Accommodation: If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, a request may be made through the employer’s HR contact.