Overview
This role provides legal representation by retaining and supervising outside counsel handling complex litigation involving the corporation and/or its insureds, in accordance with established corporate guidelines and the applicable code of professional responsibility. The position includes initial coverage review, drafting Reservation of Rights letters on certain files, and providing legal advice to business partners on an as-needed basis. Reporting is to the Senior Manager, Legal.
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 obtain successful case outcomes.
- Hold outside counsel accountable for meeting required standards and expectations.
- Develop, execute, and adjust litigation strategy throughout the life cycle of each file, including:
- Initial file analysis and strategy development
- Ongoing strategy follow-through and adjustments as litigation dictates
- Ensure adherence to litigation best practices, including appropriate motion practice and proper trial preparations.
- Perform timely escalation and reporting on files as required.
- Collaborate in regular meetings and communications with management and attorney team members to review:
- File handling and strategy
- Reserving practices
- Risk management
- Process adherence and performance
- Provide effective presentations of files 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.
- Perform early recognition of coverage issues, including drafting Reservation of Rights letters (RORs), and incorporate coverage analysis/status into case evaluations.
- Engage Coverage partners as appropriate.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service.
- Demonstrated experience preparing civil pleadings, motions, and discovery.
- Demonstrated experience deposing witnesses.
- Demonstrated litigation experience.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of the rules of Professional Responsibility for the jurisdiction where practicing.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of tort, contract, and insurance law.
- Juris Doctor (JD).
- 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 managing external counsel.
- Experience with first- and third-party bad faith litigation in western U.S. states.
Additional Requirements
- Must take and pass an adjuster license exam within 6 months of hire.
Travel Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Work primarily involves sitting/standing.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation range: $113,000.00 - $194,000.00
- Pay rate type: 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
- New Employee Orientation 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.
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. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.