Description:

Job Purpose

This position will provide efficient and skilled legal representation to MEM and/or its policyholders in workers' compensation litigation through settlement, trial, or appeal, and to issue advisory opinions on legal issues, including issues of policy inception and coverage as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

Manage high exposure disputes and litigation, including trials and appeals to Labor & Industrial Relations Commission and Courts of Appeals. Provide legal advice on complex matters including but not limited to; conflicts, discovery, lost time, medical treatment, permanent partial disability, vocational issues, occupational diseases, firefighter cancer, fatal cases, mesothelioma, permanent total disability, and other complex or serious cases.
Appear in all state courts as designated and before all Workers Compensation Division administrative law judges in all pre-trial, trial, and post-trial proceedings, including appeals. Act as lead counsel at trials and hearings of workers compensation cases throughout the assigned state. Communicate with the court, witnesses, opposing counsel and co-counsel with professional diplomacy and discretion.
Independently conduct depositions and other discovery of lay, medical and expert witnesses, approved by claims representatives. Prepare complex pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions and briefs in support of defense strategies with autonomy.
Independently create and present legal defense strategies. When applicable, prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trials, judicial/administrative hearings, arbitrations and alternative dispute resolutions. Conduct depositions and other discovery of lay, medical and expert witnesses, approved by claims representatives.
Prepare complex pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions and briefs in support of defense strategies with autonomy. Negotiate settlement of workers compensation claims pursuant to authority granted by claims representatives on an as needed basis.
Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions as well as give informal advice to claims representatives, claims management and other departments.
Contribute to the management of partnering relationships with internal clients, particularly the claims team, building effective working relationships and providing high-quality professional services to support in delivering business strategy and plans.
May assist in the review of outside attorney work-product and billings and evaluate litigation outcomes. Includes assisting in the audit of claims files for compliance by claims representatives with litigation guidelines and adherence to basic legal principles in the adjustment of claims. Identifies and recommends industry best practices. May be involved with the potential implementation of any new practices or techniques.

Education:
Juris Doctor Degree-licensed in Illinois and Missouri

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of experience in the practice of law managing complex legal issues with solid emphasis in insurance law and/or workers' compensation law.