Senior Surety Counsel

Overview

An established surety insurance provider is seeking a Senior Surety Claims Counsel to join their Core Commercial and Commercial Transactional Claims team. This role focuses on managing complex domestic commercial surety claims across the United States, including cases involving multiple bonds and insolvency issues. The position requires an entrepreneurial and analytically minded attorney with significant surety experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of commercial surety claims, focusing on the largest and most complex cases.
• Investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve surety claims efficiently and fairly.
• Analyze financial data, contractual obligations, and legal documents related to surety claims.
• Make reserve recommendations and determine appropriate courses of action for claims resolution.
• Direct claims and recovery efforts, including managing outside consultants and legal counsel.
• Participate in legal proceedings as necessary.
• Review and draft legal documents such as contracts, insurance policies, and leases related to surety claims.
• Represent the organization before regulatory and administrative bodies.
• Provide advice on new laws impacting surety business and anticipate legal issues to prevent problems.
• Identify and escalate high exposure claims with recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state statutes, regulations, and legal developments affecting surety claims.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders including underwriting and legal teams.
• Collaborate and build relationships with internal and external parties.
• Analyze technical and legal issues for fact gathering, research, and claim resolution.
• Create and analyze reports for management and participate in special projects.
• Mentor junior staff as needed.
• Participate in operational, development, and training initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Juris Doctorate degree and active bar membership in at least one state.
• Minimum of 5 years, preferably 10 years, of experience working for a surety or as a practicing attorney with a diverse caseload, emphasizing commercial surety matters.
• Experience managing complex surety claims involving multiple bonds with losses exceeding $5 million; preference for experience with claims over $10 million.
• In-depth knowledge of surety law and experience working at a surety company or surety law firm.
• Familiarity with private, state, and federal laws applicable to surety claims and transactional matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel on short notice.
• Current claims adjuster license in Texas and Florida or ability to obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range is competitive and based on skills, experience, education, certifications, and location.
• Compensation may include commission and/or bonus earnings depending on the role.
• Comprehensive benefits package supporting life and well-being.

Location

• This position involves managing claims across the United States.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.