Litigation Specialist - P&C Insurance

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Litigation Specialist serves Litigation Services, the Claim organization and Encova through efficient and effective handling of litigated claims throughout the country. The Litigation Specialist will demonstrate superior skill, ability and judgment in the independent handling of litigated claims at multiple levels of complexity and exposure, in varied subjects, and possess qualities of leadership, innovation, and collaboration that will lead defense counsel in an integrated effort to deliver superior service to policyholders. Litigation Services is committed to earning the loyalty and satisfaction of its key stakeholders through a culture of superior customer service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Direct, control and resolve lawsuits against policyholders and the company.
• Analyze, evaluate and negotiate lawsuit claims against policyholders and supervise outside counsel in negotiation and resolution, where necessary.
• Monitor and control legal fees and loss adjustment expenses; supervise payment of same.
• Prepare necessary reports including Legal Claim Evaluation, Large Loss, monthly activity reports, and other reports as needed.  
• Provide management with feedback regarding suit files to further improve claims handling.
• Generate case evaluations and participate in round table reviews regarding coverage, liability, and damages with specific attention to legal implications, financial implications, and relevant case law. 
• Attend pretrials, mediations, arbitrations and settlement conferences, as needed, to effectively manage and settle claims.
• Attend trials involving policyholders as the company's representative, when necessary.
• Pursue appropriate continuing education to remain knowledgeable of changes and trends in insurance and tort law. 
• Commit to personal growth through education, company and community engagement.  
• Advise the Litigation Manager or AVP Litigation Services on potential modifications to current policies and procedures based upon changes in the legal environment.
• Support the relationship management culture of the company and litigation services department with specific attention to a selection of core defense firms as a relationship team member.    
• Continuously monitor, evaluate and manage the performance of outside counsel, to promote continuous improvement and deliver desired outcomes to all key stakeholders. Provide feedback on performance and act as intermediary, as necessary.   
• Serve as an actively engaged member of Litigation Services, claims organization and company integrated teams, as required, or assigned. Participate in project work, providing the perspective of Claims and Litigation Services.  
• Support every associate and department of the company as needed or requested.
• Accept personal responsibility for quality results, for treating others professionally and respectfully, and for using productive communication that fosters teamwork and collaboration.
• Travel will be required.

OTHER FUNCTIONS: 

• Discuss proposed objectives with department manager.
• Participate in educational presentations for the company, insurance industry, general public, or other audience, as requested.
• Demonstrate awareness of company policies and participate in atmosphere of cooperation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree ,CPCU, ARM, or similar IIA designation and/or Paralegal certificate required.
• Proven ability to independently investigate, evaluate claims and direct outside counsel for cases at all levels of complexity.  
• Commercial lines experience is preferred for this position.  
• First Party Property experience is preferred for this position, including experience with the appraisal process.
• Experience handling claims in litigation is required. 
• Must understand multiple areas of law and must have a thorough knowledge of medical terms and treatments.  
• Highly knowledgeable with rules of civil procedure is preferred. 
• The ability to perform legal research and to construct effective summaries is required.  

This position has been evaluated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Encova Insurance makes every effort to reasonably accommodate disabilities to permit performance of the essential functions and candidates who need such accommodation are encouraged to seek it.  This description reflects the nature and level of work performed by associates in this position.  It is not an all-inclusive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.  It provides an accurate overview of the work and skills needed to perform this position.  Because job content may change from time to time, Encova Insurance reserves the right to add and/or delete functions from this job as it deems necessary for business reasons.