Description:
Position Summary:The primary job function is to provides legal representation to insureds and the Company before courts, arbitration panels or administrative bodies relating to the defense of personal injury lawsuits. **This position will require in-person court appearances and hearings/trials in the surrounding area**
Essential Job Functions:
- Prepares necessary legal documentation, obtains and prepares pertinent defense information, and advises clients and claims personnel on complex legal issues.
- Serves as a technical resource for the department and provides coaching and/or advice to less experienced legal personnel.
- Coordinates the work assignments within the legal branch to ensure efficient legal operations.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities with respect to employment, disciplining, counseling, recommending salary changes and promotions, training and evaluating performance.
- Other functions may be assigned
Education:
- Completion of a graduate law degree from an accredited program, fulfillment of state Bar requirements
- Requires a law degree and admission to the Bar in the state(s) where practicing.
Experience:
- 4 years defense or personal injury experience
- At least 1 year of supervisory experience is preferred.
- Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Knowledge and Skills:
- Requires comprehensive knowledge of insurance and tort laws.
- Able to perform legal assignments that are varied and require extensive research and analysis of applicable precedents.
- Expertise to manage cases by planning and initiating effective investigations and discoveries and to evaluate the potential exposure for settlement, arbitration and trial in terms of liability and damages.
- Strong communication, persuasion and negotiation skills to represent client and Company interests in litigation situations.
- Able to effectively supervise and direct legal personnel in daily operations to ensure accurate and timely completion of assigned work.
- Able to motivate, monitor and develop subordinates to maintain a knowledgeable and highly-qualified legal staff.
- Requires the constant exercise of independent judgment with respect to personnel and legal issues which may have a significant impact on the Company in areas such as costs, consumer loyalty, team member relations and legal complications.
- Able to work independently with minimum direction and good organizational skills needed to manage high volume of cases.
- Requires considerable automobile travel, up to 20% of work time.
- Must meet established Company standards regarding personal driving history and current license status to be eligible for position.