Sr. Trial Attorney - Fully Remote (Upstate New York)

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced Senior Trial Attorney to join its Trial Division in a fully remote role serving Upstate New York. This position focuses on sophisticated insurance defense litigation and does not require billable hours.

The preferred candidate will have 8+ years of trial experience in personal lines and commercial lines insurance defense litigation (automobile).

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel independently or as part of a team, demonstrating trial advocacy skills, proactive case management, efficiency, and high-quality work products.
• Handle matters in accordance with Trial Division standard methodology guidelines, as well as claims and client expectations.
• Operate with minimal managerial oversight and guidance from the Managing Trial Attorney and Trial Division leadership.
• Effectively use technology and collaborate with support staff to ensure efficient case management.
• Stay current on changes to the law, technology, local rules, and other procedural requirements that may impact liability and recovery litigation strategies in assigned jurisdictions.
• Apply subject matter expertise and trial advocacy skills required for Trial Division concentrations held; develop and learn additional concentrations as business needs require.
• Provide factually, legally, and analytically sound opinions on case valuations; ensure valuations are promptly updated and communicated to clients and claims.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with key associates within the Office of the Chief Legal Officer and senior director-level claims partners, as well as with industry colleagues in assigned jurisdictions and communities.
• Use professional relationships to improve the Trial Division’s reputation and expand case referral opportunities.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with clients, claims, and internal Trial Division partners (written and verbal), aligned with expectations in assigned jurisdictions and communities.
• Mentor junior attorneys and Trial Division staff by providing guidance, training, and role-modeling engagement, coaching, feedback, efficiency, attitude, and collaboration.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Maintains an active license in the state in which the position is located.
• Typically more than eight years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
• Significant litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
• Experience handling complex legal practices and procedures through all court and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and other attorneys on-site and remotely; ability to mentor and role-model for other associates.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively process information, analyze issues, and solve problems creatively.
• Proficiency with basic software and computer tools; ability to adapt to changes in the law and technology (including electronic filings).
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to set work priorities, recommend actions, and initiate/prioritize/coordinate complex cases and projects.
• Leadership skills used to influence others directly and/or indirectly, including motivating and problem-solving.
• Willingness to stay aligned with private practice of law policies and state ethical rules for the jurisdiction where licensed.
• Must acknowledge and follow all corporate and Trial Division policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trial (personal lines and commercial lines) insurance defense litigation (automobile) experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Overtime eligibility: Not eligible (Exempt)
• National salary range (Sr Trial Attorney): $138,000.00–$243,000.00
• Expected starting salary range (Sr Trial Attorney): $138,000.00–$206,000.00

Benefits include:

• Medical/dental/vision
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off (minimum of 18 days for newly hired associates each full calendar year, pro-rated quarterly based on hire date)
• Nine paid holidays
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid pension plan
• Business casual attire

Location

• Fully remote role serving Upstate New York.

Job Conditions

• Generally a normal office environment; depending on office needs, may include working from home.
• Frequent travel; occasional overnight travel.
• Extended hours are often necessary to meet professional demands.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with organization standards.

ADA

This position’s essential functions are generally described above; specific circumstances may require performing a different combination of duties.