Description:

The Vice President, Coverage Counsel leads the Coverage Counsel function within the Corporate Legal department, serving as a key strategic advisor on all matters related to insurance coverage. This role provides expert legal advice and counsel to various departments on insurance coverage issues, policy drafting, policy interpretation, and regulatory compliance across admitted, non-admitted, and international markets.

The position supports the underwriting team by assisting in the development, review, filing, and issuance of insurance products in both current and emerging business sectors, domestically and internationally. The VP contributes to the evolution of the company's coverage philosophy and approach, addressing shifts in the legal and economic environment and their implications for underwriting analysis. The role also supports new business initiatives by evaluating the legal climate and its potential impact on business opportunities.

Additional responsibilities include providing legal advice on commercial liability and property insurance coverage matters, including the evaluation of complex or novel coverage issues; drafting coverage opinions, reservation of rights letters, and declination letters; developing training and informational initiatives for staff on emerging legal issues; and partnering with compliance and claims departments to manage market conduct examinations and maintain strong relationships with key regulators. This position is suited for a strategic, collaborative leader who excels at bridging legal expertise with business objectives in the insurance sector.

Primary Responsibilities:

Handle all requests for legal advice related to coverage, policy interpretation, and related matters.
Support underwriters in the development, refinement, and use of various insurance products across domestic and international lines.
Review and approve individually tailored forms and endorsements crafted to meet clients' unique needs.
Serve as primary liaison with administration, claims, underwriting, compliance, legal, and marketing teams on legal issues, with particular emphasis on coverage positions, policy language drafting, interpretation, and coverage litigation strategy.
Review legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the Company's insurance products and business operations in multiple jurisdictions.
Actively participate in new product development and new business initiatives, providing legal guidance to facilitate successful launches.
Support the development and execution of business development strategies from a legal and compliance perspective.
Assist in the underwriting compliance process to ensure proper handling of underwriting practices and adherence to internal standards.
Stay current on industry trends, product-related claims, and coverage issues; communicate relevant developments to management and the underwriting team to enable timely adjustments to processes and protocols.
Assist the underwriting team in achieving service goals by delivering timely, accurate responses to coverage and legal queries.
Communicate effectively with various departments on regulatory compliance matters.
Review and advise on underwriting standards, guidelines, and practices in alignment with established Company processes.
Prepare and present training programs, educational manuals, and materials for internal staff and external audiences on coverage, legal, and regulatory topics.
Conduct thorough legal research and deliver accurate, timely analysis of coverage issues, policy interpretation, and other claim-related legal matters.
Draft comprehensive coverage opinions, reservation of rights letters, and declination letters.
Communicate clearly and professionally with all stakeholders, including insureds, insurers, brokers, TPAs, internal staff, and third parties throughout the underwriting and claims processes.
Maintain reports, data analytics, and trend analyses; review findings with the EVP Underwriting committee to identify patterns, emerging trends, or areas requiring attention or remediation.
Report any risk information to the internal Underwriting Department that indicates undesirable risks or excessive exposure.
Partner closely with compliance and claims teams to manage market conduct examinations, respond to regulatory inquiries, and cultivate positive relationships with key regulators and insurance department personnel.
The above reflects management's definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above responsibilities are representative only; management may modify the duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Qualifications and Experience:
Required:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (multi-state admission or willingness to obtain additional bars preferred).
A minimum of ten years of progressive legal experience in insurance coverage, with significant focus on commercial property/casualty lines, policy drafting, interpretation, and complex coverage analysis (in-house insurance company experience strongly preferred).
Demonstrated expertise in admitted, surplus lines/non-admitted, and international insurance markets.
Proven track record drafting coverage opinions, reservation of rights, and declination letters for high-exposure or novel claims.
Strong understanding of insurance regulatory frameworks and experience supporting product filings, approvals, and compliance.
Excellent legal research, analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
Superior communication and presentation abilities, with experience training diverse audiences on legal and coverage topics.
Ability to provide practical, business-oriented advice while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

Leadership experience managing coverage counsel teams or functions.
Familiarity with market conduct examinations and regulatory interactions.
Experience in emerging or specialty lines, international placements, or innovative insurance products.
Professional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or similar insurance credentials.

What we offer:

Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a specialized and growing area of alternative risk financing.
Collaborative, business-oriented legal environment.
Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development support.
Work from Home Setup:
An internet connection, via cable or fiber, that can support 300Mbps down and 10Mbps up. A wired (Ethernet) connection to the internet is preferred for best performance.
A workstation, desk, or table that is ergonomically suitable for the employee's physical needs, (standing, sitting, etc.). This workspace must support two, 24” displays, a laptop, docking station, keyboard, and mouse, at minimum.

Teleworkers must be reachable while teleworking during the employee's regularly scheduled hours. Methods of communication include email account, voice calls, and messages using company-issued iPhone, Microsoft Office Teams, and other appropriate department tools and equipment. It is expected that teleworkers will attend all virtual scheduled meetings with their cameras on as much as possible. Additionally, any calls and/or voicemails will be answered in a timely manner.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year