Assistant General Counsel II (Coverage Attorney)

SUMMARY:   

This position will serve in an advisory capacity to AF Group and its business units on insurance coverage and extra-contractual disputes and litigation nationwide. Conduct research where necessary, drafts brief legal opinions, attends claim review meetings to provide legal advice, examines records, conduct investigations, attends depositions and mediations, retains and manages outside panel counsel as needed, and manages coverage and extra-contractual litigation by and against the company. Participate in negotiations on behalf of the Company including settlements. In addition, this position will provide leadership and expertise on training, as necessary.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience with both admitted and non-admitted carrier exposure and will be poised to provide counsel across multiple lines of business.  Experience with coverage and claims handling related to a variety of policies is preferred, including but not limited to experience with: commercial general liability coverage, property coverage, environmental coverage; commercial auto coverage; excess and umbrella coverage; and workers compensation and employer liability coverages.

Claims Focus: Conduct research where necessary, drafts brief legal opinions, attends claim review meetings to provide legal advice, examines records, attends depositions and mediations, retains and manages outside panel counsel as needed, and manages coverage and extra-contractual litigation by and against the company. Participate in negotiations on behalf of the Company including settlements. In addition, this position will provide leadership and expertise on training, as necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS: 

1. Responsible for applying legal principles, knowledge and skills based on experience.
2. Serves in an advisory capacity to conduct litigation risk analysis and associated coverage strategy, making recommendations which will have an important bearing on the conduct of organizational business.
3. Drafts and/or dictates legal correspondence and memorandums and works with minimal supervision on all assigned matters. 
4. Conducts legal research and offers timely legal opinions and advice upon reasonable demand.
5. Provides objective assessment of risk areas.
6. Work with outside counsel to prepare for and attend depositions and mediations and to collaborate on discovery and litigation strategies.

Additional Claims Focus Responsibilities: 

• Give work directions to legal support professionals in the department.
• Identify emerging legal and business risks and partner with claims and underwriting leadership to develop practical and strategic methods of mitigating exposure.

Additional Responsibilities/Tasks:

1. Responsible for handling complex assigned legal projects requiring originality and ingenuity. 
2. Ability to analyze and communicate sophisticated legal concepts and provide advice in a pragmatic and easy to understand matter. 
3. Possesses a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for the completion of difficult assignments.
4. Research, plan, organize and conduct training for company personnel to educate on legal matters and claims handling procedures. 
5. Ability to collaborate across teams and at all levels of the company.
6. Actively participates in company events. 
7. Requires high degree of independent and creative judgment.

This position description identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position. Other relevant essential functions may be required.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

A Juris Doctor Degree and admission to the bar (in good standing) in employed state(s) required. Continuous learning, as defined by the Company’s learning philosophy, is required. Certification or progress toward certification is highly preferred and encouraged.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the insurance industry and one year of legal, compliance and/or regulatory experience. 

Additional Experience Required:

A minimum of four (4) years of legal experience, with two years of experience in the insurance industry preferred. 

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES (SKA) REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing insurance.
• Ability to understand complex legal issues.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills; ability to interface with legal counsel and business groups at all levels of the organization.
• Effective leadership, management, and advocacy skills.
• Strong problem solver; excellent project management skills; attention to detail.
• Skilled in development of policies, procedures, training methods, and materials. 
• Basic knowledge of corporate policies and procedures. 
• Basic to working knowledge of contracting concepts and Uniform Commercial Code.
• Ability to draft and review simple contractual instruments. 
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret statutes, general business and legal periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Highly developed sense of ethics and integrity.

Additional SKA: 

1. In-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing the enterprise.
2. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. 
3. Illustrates sound judgment and can encourage others to use professional judgment. 
4. Ability to develop optimistic and collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
5. Possesses understanding of the business and has an appreciation of financial/analytical issues and profit and loss implications. 
6. Significant ability to influence senior corporate management. 
7. Ability to perform in complex cross-functional business environment. 
8. Must be able to develop rapport with client and to engender confidence with the client and in their own professional competence and judgment.
9. Excellent presentation, teambuilding, and leadership skills. 
10. Good analytical, negotiation, organizational, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
11. Qualified to effectively present information and respond to questions from courts, regulators, clients, customers, and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is mostly performed in an office setting with no unusual hazards. Travel is required. Must be able to drive an automobile and have valid operator license. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to handle documents, books, manuals; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum education, experience, skills, knowledge, and ability levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. 

Pay Range:  Actual compensation decision relies on the consideration of internal equity, candidate’s skills and professional experience, geographic location, market, and other potential factors. It is not standard practice for an offer to be at or near the top of the range, and therefore a reasonable estimate for this role is between $121,500 and $203,400.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity is valued and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an "at will" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.

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