Claims Counsel

Claims Coverage Counsel

Summary

This is an "in-house" coverage attorney position, reporting to the Chief Claims Officer. The ideal candidate is an attorney with ten-plus years of experience in the practice of coverage law with an emphasis on all standard lines, including property; experience with social service professional liability, employment practices liability and improper sexual conduct and physical abuse coverages is also preferred. The position encompasses a variety of responsibilities that include support of Claims, with some support as well of Insurance Operations. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing oversight and/ or generation of coverage opinions and related letters for the Claims Department as well as participating in and assisting in the development of coverage related litigation strategy, and providing consultation to others tasked with developing insurance products (including coverage forms, endorsements and exclusions), and reviewing and approving others' work product associated with Claims. Responsibilities also include advising management of insurance-related issues, trends and developments, and training staff, including the production of webinars, participation in seminars and insurance-related committees as well as performing research as requested by management into unique jurisdictional concerns and ensuring consistency in claims positions.

Job Duties

• Responsible for the competent, ethical, objective and diligent consultation with claims clients/customers in insurance coverage matters, indemnification issues, or jurisdictional concerns impacting claims handling
• Responsible for drafting, consulting and providing coverage opinions and advice for multiple Lines of Business on matters of all complexities and/or financial consequence for NIA.
• Identifies coverage issues which require assignment to outside counsel and works with outside counsel as needed (distinct from policyholder suits).
• May occasionally attend mediations, MSC's as needed when coverage interpretations are at issue (can be done via electronic means).
• Holds or procures the annual Fair Claims Practices Act training
• Manage NIA response to Claims related subpoenas and requests for production of claims documents.
• Collaborates with Risk, the office of General Counsel, and the Senior Leadership Team in the provision of technical expertise as strategic questions arise relative to new or emerging changes in law in the jurisdictions in which NIA operates.
• Respond to insurance and claims questions from all segments of NIA
• Serve on and provide guidance to any Committee or project team which requires insurance or claims-related expertise
• Works closely with Risk and General Counsel to assist same in the defense of extracontractual claims, rescission actions, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Claims Officer.
• Participates as needed in the Product Development Committee with regard to the creation of new endorsements or revisions to existing coverage forms.
• May supervise the work product of a subordinate and perform associated managerial duties.

Required Skills

• Ability to analyze complex insurance claims situations and develop recommendations which meet the needs of NIA and its members.
• Ability to prioritize conflicting demands from multiple business clients in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of a complex organization; ability to build excellent working relationships within multiple working groups.
• Ability to travel as needed to support business needs
• Exceptional ability to stay organized and manage time effectively in order to manage competing priorities
• Must stay current with changes in laws and have effective research skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, including public speaking
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and proficiency for providing practical feedback and suggestions
• Outstanding communication and follow up, interpersonal and organizational skills, initiative, self-motivation, discretion and the ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment are essential
• Working knowledge of Microsoft products
• Demonstrated capability for working with a high level of independence
• Positive approach, can-do attitude, flexibility and ability to operate with grace under pressure
• Ability to model and uphold appropriate professional boundaries in work with member-insureds
• Collaborate with other staff members and external partners as needed
• Interest and commitment to the mission of the organization
• Commitment to inspired service
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, reach or sit for up to 3 hours at a time
• Must have adequate vision (with corrective lenses if needed) to clearly view computer screen
• Must have adequate hearing to perform job tasks
• Ability to communicate complex concepts simply.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in property and casualty insurance coverage required
• Experience with nonprofits a plus
• Experience with the adjustment of difficult claims a plus

Required Education

• Required Bachelor's degree and JD from an accredited law school
• Member in good standing of other State Bar's in addition to CA is preferred.

Compensation: The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the location, skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for additional incentive compensation upon achievement of individual and company goals.

Salary Range

$143,000 - $255,000