Description:

Position Overview:
As a member of our New Jersey/Pennsylvania Staff Counsel team, which is based in Somerset, NJ, this attorney will be responsible for handling the defense of personal injury liability cases of moderate to high exposure pending against An Insurance Company's insureds primarily in central and southern New Jersey, and also in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and its surrounding counties) as needs may dictate.This attorney will be responsible for investigation and management of assigned cases from the inception of the lawsuit until conclusion through dismissal, settlement or trial, and working with adjusters and insureds to resolve claims as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.

Admission to the bars of NJ and PA required. Experience in handling the defense of auto and premises liability personal injury cases, including jury trial experience, in both states required.

This is a full-time, exempt role.

In this role you will:
  • Meet with clients and claims professionals to resolve cases in the most cost-effective manner.
  • Conduct pre-trials, mediations, arbitrations, trials or any other legal activity required.
  • Advise claim professionals on the evaluations of legal files.
  • Provide legal advice to clients and other claim professionals as needed.
  • Negotiate settlements as directed.
  • Attend conferences with claims personnel.

What You Need to Apply:
  • Juris Doctorate required, must have at least 7-10 years of experience handling the defense of personal injury matters.
  • Experience at insurance defense litigation firm or litigation focused in-house/staff counsel. In-house staff counsel litigation experience with an insurance company is a plus.
  • Must have a valid driver's license, an acceptable MVR, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be in good standing and admitted to the bars of NJ and PA.
  • Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys, adjusters, claims professionals and support staff.
  • Computer literacy, including MS Word, Lexis/Westlaw, and daily management of e-mail and calendar.
  • Work on-site partially as per Company's Hybrid work-at-home/work-at-office policy. Remote work arrangements considered.
  • Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and service-oriented environment.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
  • Advocacy: Solid knowledge and ability to assist, defend or plead for another on moderately complex cases.
  • Negotiation Skills: Consistently influences claim outcomes through demonstration of effective negotiation techniques.
  • Communication: Strong abilities written and verbal.
  • Decision Making: Strong ability to arrive at a determination in moderate to complex situations after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination.
  • Organization Skills: Strong ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to maximize productivity effectively and efficiently.
  • Investigative Skills: Proficiency in following up on inquiries with care and accuracy. Consistently able to take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion.
  • Legal Research: Proficiency in locating cases, codified laws, and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a reasonable and accurate conclusion or render an opinion.
  • Courtroom Skills: Able to demonstrate appropriate courtroom behavior, attire and decorum and is knowledgeable of the rules that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Provides the highest professional service to clients and claims professionals.
  • Trial Skills: Has the ability to effectively present evidence and arguments of law to a judge or jury for determination of the facts at issue.
  • Business/Industry: Knowledgeable in the basic principles of property and casualty insurance.
  • Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development. Maintains the necessary skill levels.
  • Agile and Adaptive: Recognizes unexpected challenges and is able to be resilient, shift and remain on course.
  • Mentor and Teach: Willingness and ability to mentor and teach others.
  • Ability to travel as necessary.