Overview
This role provides effective legal representation by retaining and supervising outside counsel handling complex litigation involving the organization and/or its insureds, in accordance with established corporate guidelines and the applicable code of professional responsibility. The position also includes initial coverage review and drafting Reservation of Rights letters on certain files, along with legal advice to business partners as needed.
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of location and will be considered based on the needs of the role.
Responsibilities
- Proactively manage outside counsel to support successful case outcomes.
- Hold outside counsel accountable for meeting organizational requirements.
- Develop and implement case strategy across the life cycle of each file, including:
- Initial file analysis and strategy
- Ongoing follow-through and strategy adjustments as litigation dictates
- Adhere to litigation best practices (including strategy development, appropriate motion practice, and proper trial preparations).
- Escalate and report on files as required and in a timely manner.
- Collaborate in regular meetings/communications with management and the attorney team to review file handling, strategy, reserving practices, risk management, process adherence, and performance.
- Provide effective presentations of case status and files to senior leadership.
- Actively manage the file cycle, including timely file closing.
- Implement appropriate reserving practices, including:
- Early recognition of reserve deficiencies
- Timely reserve adjustments
- Obtaining authority when appropriate
- Identify early coverage issues, including drafting Reservation of Rights letters (RORs) and incorporating coverage analysis/status into case evaluations, engaging coverage partners as appropriate.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience preparing civil pleadings, motions and 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.
- Admitted to the state bar in the state where they are located, or one of the following:
- (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.
- Must take and pass an adjuster license exam within 6 months of hire.
- Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support or service.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with external counsel management.
- Experience with first- and third-party bad faith litigation in western U.S. states.
Compensation & Benefits
- 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:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing benefits
- Competitive 401(k) contribution
- Pension plan
- Annual incentive
- 9 paid holidays
- Paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees)
- Student loan repayment program
- Paid-family leave
Location & Travel
- Travel requirements: Up to 50%.
- Physical requirements: Work primarily involves sitting/standing.
- New Employee Orientation: Held in person at Madison, WI Headquarters or one of the organization’s core locations; sessions may be delivered virtually at times based on scheduling and availability.
Additional Information
- 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 employer; the organization considers qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for the application/interview process and for performing essential job functions.