Claims Attorney

Position Summary:
The Claims Attorney will be responsible for overseeing the management of a segment of the professional liability claims, conducting thorough analysis and investigations necessary to determine claims exposure and recommend appropriate settlement strategies and action plans. The Claims Attorney will work in a collaborative environment in service to the mission of a growing healthcare system.

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage and oversee professional liability claims, working with a team of claims professionals to achieve a timely, fair and efficient resolution of matters
• Manage a caseload of complex professional liability claims, effectively participating when appropriate in internal fact investigation, settlement negotiations, mediations, arbitrations and trials.
• Present cases under management to claims committees for input on standard of care and for settlement authority.
• Responsibly utilize case reserving and settlement authority within established levels
• Assure appropriate documentation and use of claims management system
• Assure accountability for auditing and approval of claims expenses and litigation fees
• Juggle numerous competing priorities and perform in a continually changing legal, regulatory, and clinical environment
• Develop and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with company employees at all levels, including risk managers, patient safety and quality, senior management and business managers
• Keep abreast of legal developments and continue legal education in substantive areas and litigation practices, particularly in the area of professional liability and healthcare liability
• Demonstrate diversity in thought and experience
• Work closely with external counsel on appropriate matters to develop and drive overall litigation strategy, ensure compliance with company policies, and drive cost savings
• Work with minimal supervision, works well on a team, demonstrates excellent oral and written communication, and develops new areas of sub-specialty as needs may arise
• Utilize excellent judgment, client counseling, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school with a license to practice law in Connecticut or ability to become an active member in one year, and outstanding academic credentials
• Certification in risk management or insurance and adjusters license in Connecticut a plus
• Five plus years of relevant experience with emphasis on resolving professional liability claims
• Knowledge of federal and state health care regulations preferred
• Health law regulatory knowledge preferred
• Experience advising complex organizations with interaction between multiple legal entities
• Proficiency in legal research, including Lexis, Westlaw & other research tools, as well as technology used in operations, such as claims management systems
• Strong analytical, inter-personal, drafting, negotiation, written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Previous experience with academic medical centers, physician group practices, and/or health care delivery systems either in-house or at a large law firm preferred
• Collegial, possesses mature interpersonal skills and is able to quickly adapt to changing demands
• Writing samples and references will be requested