Director Strategic Coverage Counsel - Complex Commercial Claims

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CNA's Claims Legal team is currently recruiting for a seasoned attorney with substantial experience in third party complex commercial claims. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight to ten years of general liability and mass tort experience analyzing coverage/legal issues related to claims of the highest severity and complexity. Preference will be given to candidates who have hands-on coverage litigation experience to serve as a backdrop for this role which is principally providing advice and counsel to internal constituents and service partners. The general liability and mass tort skill sets are must-have requirements for this position. Experience handling risk transfer, advertising injury/personal injury, construction defect and/or workers compensation is a plus. Our ideal candidate will possess top-tier legal acumen, judgment, analytical, legal research, communication, and coverage skills.
The incumbent will accept referrals of complex coverage matters and other claims-related legal issues from CNA's commercial lines of business. In this role, you may also provide assistance from time to time in other lines of business, including first party property, marine, specialty and commercial healthcare. As a member of our Claims Legal team, you will provide legal advice to the claims units that we support. Your legal work will be based upon legal research, policy analysis and analysis of complex coverage issues. You will provide legal counsel, guidance, recommendations and periodic support for training initiatives and other special projects.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job Summary
o Legal/Coverage counsel admitted to the bar of at least one state will provide in-house legal support to claims professionals and senior leadership in connection with various lines of business. Work assignments will include providing legal advice and litigation support in connection with the most complex and/or severe claims and related coverage issues. Eight to ten years of experience in a substantially similar legal role is preferred.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
o You will provide legal advice to claims professionals and senior management in connection with the most complex and/or severe third party claims. Specific responsibilities will include providing coverage opinions and advice, legal assessment of liability and damages in claims-related litigation, and legal support in connection with litigation filed by and against the company.
o You will have oversight responsibility for litigation by staff, coverage or outside counsel. Monitors trials and tracks legal and regulatory developments. Advises management and claim professionals regarding issues, approaches and impact of changes.
o You will provide research, legal analysis, counsel and guidance on claim related issues in a dynamic environment in which you will collaborate with internal and external business partners.
o You will work independently in analyzing legal issues and supporting effective dispute resolution strategies.
o Because of your demonstrated skill set and competency as a seasoned coverage attorney, you may be relied upon to attend mediations, arbitrations, appraisals, settlement meetings and conferences around the country as business needs warrant.
o You will be asked for your feedback and input to develop, present, and implement training initiatives to the claim organization.
o We may ask you to perform additional duties as our business needs require.
Reporting Relationship
o Director or above
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
o Senior level knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and procedures of legal issues relating to claims, coverage, and litigation management within an insurance organization.
o Excellent technical and product-specific expertise, claims resolution skill, and knowledge of insurance and claims principles, practices and procedures.
o Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Excellent negotiation, consulting and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with all internal and external business partners.
o Ability to exercise independent judgment, and to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
o Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and senior level skill in managing uncertainty.
o Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems.
o Proven ability to take a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives in order to achieve strategic business results.
o Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software including Westlaw, XL, Teams, etc.
o Value driven to provide superior solutions to internal and/or external customers.
o Acts with a sense of ownership and urgency to advance priorities of the organization.
o Helps others to excel through collaboration and building strong relationships.
o Raises expectations of self and others by inspiring confidence, continuously learning, and broadening industry and technical skills.
Education & Experience
o Bachelor's degree and J.D.
o Admission to the bar of at least one state required, along with the ability to obtain in-house counsel admission if required.
o Typically a minimum of eight to ten years of relevant legal experience with a proven track record of positive results.
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In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $87,000 to $178,000 annually.Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com .
CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] .