Description:

Overview:
An Insurance Company was founded in 1898 by local farmers who wanted to look out for each other. That spirit continues to define our company culture. We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Our employees are proud of our thoughtful approach to insurance, and it shows. In January 2024, we were recognized as Washington's Best Company to Work For (our twelfth year in a row as one of the top 100) by Seattle Business magazine, based on a survey of our employees.

An Insurance Company works exclusively with local independent agents to offer insurance products for individuals, families, farms, and businesses. We currently operate in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming.

​​The Claims Coverage Counsel reports to the Vice President of Claims and is responsible for providing ethical, objective, prompt, and clear legal advice to lines of business within the Claims Department. Maintains a high level of ethics and professionalism while working independently. Handles coverage and policy interpretation matters including low to high complexity.​

Responsibilities:
  • ​​Support the delivery of Ethical, Responsive, Personal, and Efficient claim service through prompt and accurate interpretation of policy language and application of laws within the An Insurance Company footprint.
  • ​Analyze complex insurance contracts and policy forms, including but not limited to Personal Home, Auto and Excess, Commercial General Liability, Business Owner, Package, Excess, and Auto policies.
  • ​Apply policy contract terms to ambiguous claim scenarios or when no prior legal precedent exists.
  • ​Remain current on legislative trends and court decisions. Provide timely updates, detailed insights, and recommendations.
  • ​Identify and protect against potential class action and/or bad faith/EC exposure.
  • ​Produce comprehensive written opinions, including strategic recommendations, to business leaders where appropriate.
  • ​Develop networks and maintain relationships with LOBs across the organization. Work with Claims management to provide expert legal advice on risk exposure, policy interpretation, litigation strategy, and claims handling protocols.
  • ​Collaborate with Claims Training to develop and deliver training as needed.
  • ​Consult with claims personnel and claims leadership in strategy roundtables.
  • ​Deliver high-quality work products within defined service level agreements.
  • ​Administer the internal expense and operating budget.
  • ​Perform other duties as assigned.​

Qualifications:
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • ​​​Teamwork mindset with strong interpersonal skills. Focus on internal customer service and collaboration with outside counsel.
  • ​Anticipate challenges and recommend solutions in complex and rapidly changing legal environments.
  • ​Strong experience in conflict resolution and complex problem scenarios.
  • ​Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.​​

Education and Experience:
  • ​​​Bachelor's degree and law school degree (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school required.
  • ​Member in good standing with State Bar in MOE footprint. Washington State preferred.
  • ​7+ years of insurance policy interpretation, litigation, and resolving coverage matters (OR experience as a practicing coverage attorney).
  • ​5+ years of complex claim adjusting and/or litigation leadership experience preferred.​​

Physical Requirements:
​​​Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.​​