Description:

Job Description:
About Us:
At Selective, we don't just insure uniquely, we employ uniqueness.

Selective is a midsized U.S. domestic property and casualty insurance company with a history of strong, consistent financial performance for nearly 100 years. Selective's unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors, including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2025 and certification as a Great Place to Work® in 2025 for the sixth consecutive year.

Employees are empowered and encouraged to Be Uniquely You by being their true, unique selves and contributing their diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives to our shared success. Together, we are a high-performing team working to serve our customers responsibly by helping to mitigate loss, keep them safe, and restore their lives and businesses after an insured loss occurs.

Overview:
Selective Insurance is seeking an Executive Trial Attorney for either the Wayne, PA, Marlton or Roseland, NJ staff counsel office. New Jersey and Pennsylvania workers compensation experience required. Provides legal representation to insureds of the Company in defense of litigated claims. Provides advice to the claims department of the Company, other Staff Counsel attorneys, and represents the Company in complex litigated matters. Matters assigned for defense are the most complex, and/or have highest exposures. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Oversees the work of assigned Trial Attorneys and provides supervisory guidance to support their activities
Assists the Managing Attorney with implementing office procedures, workflows and policies.
Prepares and tries complex, high exposure cases to conclusion before judges (possibly in multiple jurisdictions). Participates in mediations of complex cases which are not earmarked for trial.
Analyzes complex legal and factual issues, conducts legal research, and independently develops and advances defense strategies on behalf of the Insured. Communicates with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel, and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Code of Professional Conduct.
Prepares pleadings, written discovery, motions, and briefs in support of defense strategies. Prepares for, attends, and handles all activities related to full trials and/or appeals, as assigned.
Engages in various forms of paper discovery practice and conducts depositions and other pre-trial examinations. Proficient in high stakes and adversarial drafting and document creation.
Travels to depositions, court appearances, claims and client meetings, and other events as necessary. Car travel represents approximately 20% of employee's time.
Communicates with, meets and regularly updates the client and claims personnel regarding the status of pending matters. Communicates with opposing counsel, the courts and others as needed, efficiently and effectively utilizing all available technology.
Researches issues using Lexis, and other computer/web-based data sources, as well as using legal treatises, law reporters and other library materials.
Provides support services to claims, underwriting and other adjunct departments in the form of legal opinions, recommendations, and digests of recent developments in decisional and statutory law.
Controls and directs clerical activity, in accordance with office protocol, necessary to support function of position.
Reports to managing attorney concerning status of matters and provides other information as requested. Acts as a resource for attorneys throughout the program on technical legal matters.
Independently represents Selective insureds in all phases of litigation in courts of the relevant jurisdiction as well as other tribunals and alternative dispute resolution forums. Provide pre-suit investigative assistance when required. Case load will be smaller to accommodate supervisory responsibilities.
Responsible for the strategic, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases
Assist with developing and presenting training materials and seminars to the Claim Department
Performs all other functionally related duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney

Qualifications:
Knowledge and Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Explorer or similar required.
Typing skill required.
Legal case management software experience preferred.
Excellent customer service, writing and oral communication skills required.
Must have valid state-issued driver's license in good standing.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school required. Member in good standing of the Bar of the jurisdiction required.
Workers' compensation experience in the jurisdiction of NJ and PA is required.
At least 15 years legal experience in one or both of the jurisdictions required.
Trial of at least 15 matters to conclusion and appellate experience preferred.
Prior leadership experience preferred.