Claims Counsel

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group has an opening for a Claims Counsel position. The Claims Counsel role is an in-house counsel position that advises and consults with file handlers on claims involving, but not limited to, coverage matters, high exposure, highly complex legal issues, and extra contractual claims.  Claims Counsel will manage panel counsel performance and assist with ensuring compliance with litigation guidelines. This position will focus on commercial insurance coverage and defense related matters and will assist in providing legal representation for the insured and/or Company at mediation, arbitration, or round table discussions.

Claims Counsel

• Makes timely decisions, with guidance and direction from primary stakeholders.
• Engages with the Claims team leadership to develop and implement strategic programs that meet our Company's goals and objectives.
• Develops leadership style and motivates team to achieve a common goal by demonstrating the professional behaviors expected.
• Learns to identify strengths and growth needs of team members and how to engage in development discussions.

AVP, Claims Counsel

• Makes timely decisions independently, using personal knowledge and discretion.
• Engages with Executive team on strategic matters that affect multiple teams within the Company.
• Demonstrates effective leadership style and motivates team to achieve a common goal by demonstrating the professional behaviors expected.
• Identifies strengths and determines growth needs of team members and provides effective feedback on development opportunities.

Essential Functions

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:       

• Manages liability, workers' compensation, and subrogation counsel panels.
• Manages and monitors adherence to litigation guidelines.
• Provides oversight and guidance to claims employees in their handling of litigated claims and collaborates with them regarding retention of outside experts.
• Provides training, coaching, and claims expertise to all claims personnel.
• Assumes direct handling responsibilities for complex and extra contractual cases as needed.
• Prepares and delivers internal presentations and participates in providing learning opportunities to internal staff.
• Serves as a resource for members of claims management as well as leadership teams in other departments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate business acumen in Property and Casualty Insurance Claims
• Understand the litigation process involving complex commercial entities and insurance coverage.
• Create effective and detailed legal strategies.
• Defend and/or provide coverage counsel on commercial property and casualty insurance claims.
• Analyze complex issues and make critical decisions.
• Read, interpret and input data efficiently and accurately.
• Communicate and work effectively with others (oral and written).
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Apply correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Determine when and how to escalate concerns to the appropriate level of management.
• Contribute effectively to accomplish team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Organize and prioritize work effectively.
• Work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Handle multiple assignments concurrently.
• Meet definite deadlines and effectively manage high-pressure situations.
• Protect confidential information.
• Utilize computer and related software effectively.
• Demonstrate positive leadership and professionalism attributes.
• Apply strategic management concepts to decision making.

Experience and Education Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of related experience in the practice of law in areas of insurance coverage and defense with at least 2 years in leadership

OR

• Master's Degree and 6 years of related experience in the practice of law in areas of insurance coverage and defense with at least 1 year in leadership

Special Requirements, Licenses and Certificates

• JD Degree from an accredited law school 
• Admission to the bar of at least one state

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an insurance or law firm setting working with commercial coverage and defense related issues
• Experience with professional liability, workers compensation, property and general liability insurance coverage
• Supervisory or management experience
• Experience with reinsurance
• Policy drafting experience

Work Environment

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting
• Work may involve travel to attend meetings at other locations

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary bonus and access to our benefits package, including: 

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.