Claims Counsel

Description:

An Insurance Firm has an opening for a Claims Counsel. This role is an in-house counsel position that advises and consults on claims involving coverage matters, high exposure, and highly complex legal issues. This position will assist in providing legal representation for the insured and/or Company at mediation, arbitration, or round table discussions. The Claims Counsel will focus on commercial insurance coverage and defense related matters.

Essential Functions:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assigns and supervises lawsuits to be handled by outside counsel.
• Maintains direct control of lawsuit files to expedite settlements and control litigation costs.
• Advises and consults with claims employees in their handling of litigated claims.
• Provides training, coaching, and claims expertise to claims personnel.
• Conducts examinations of legal and claims records and consults with witnesses, the member, and claims personnel.
• Directs and oversees outside counsel and consultants as necessary to assist with claim investigation, defense, or salvage and indemnity aspects of claim.
• Prepares and delivers internal presentations and participates in learning opportunities with internal staff.
• Serves as a resource for the SVP of Claims.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge in complex commercial insurance coverage.
• Knowledge and understanding of the litigation process, and the ability to create effective and detailed legal strategies.
• Knowledge and experience defending and/or providing coverage counsel on commercial property and casualty insurance claims.
• Analyze complex issues and make critical decisions.
• Read, interpret and input data efficiently and accurately.
• Communicate and work effectively with others (oral and written).
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Determines when and how to escalate concerns to the appropriate level of management.
• Contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to provide effective customer service.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Work independently and use initiative.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Meet definite deadlines and deal with pressure situations.
• Ability to deal with confidential information.
• Utilize computer and related software effectively.

Qualifications:
Experience and Education Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of related experience in the practice of law in areas of insurance coverage and defense

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