Job Title: Lead Attorney-Insurance Defense
Job Responsibilities:
As a Lead Attorney in the insurance defense sector, the primary responsibilities include providing legal representation to the company's insured clients and the company itself before courts and arbitration panels in all aspects of litigation. This role involves investigating, managing, and trying the most complex cases in the region. The attorney's inventory will consist of the largest and most intricate matters referred from claims. The Lead Attorney will oversee other attorneys assigned to work under their direction on a case-by-case basis when case complexity requires multiple attorneys. Additionally, the Lead Attorney will serve as a mentor to developing trial attorneys.
Key responsibilities include:
- Handling a caseload primarily consisting of large, complex, high-exposure lawsuits.
- Specializing in several areas of law as needed.
- Providing direction and mentoring to other attorneys and claim professionals.
- Assisting the Managing Attorney in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff, as needed.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10-15 years of litigation experience, with first chair trial experience being a plus. A demonstrated ability to handle exposures of over 1 million dollars is required. The candidate must be admitted to the bar and licensed to practice law in Michigan. Additionally, they must have a valid driver's license, an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Skills and Competencies:
- Advocacy skills to assist, defend, or plead for another.
- Strong communication skills for effectively translating legal language and ideas into layman's terms.
- Organization skills to categorize and prioritize work and information for maximum productivity.
- Negotiation skills to conduct communication or conferences with a view toward reaching a settlement agreement or compromise.
- Decision-making ability to arrive at a determination after careful consideration of facts and law.
- Proven trial skills with a record of successful insurance defense jury trial experience.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of property and casualty insurance, including commercial lines.
- Investigative skills to follow up on inquiries or observations meticulously.
- Legal research skills to locate cases, treaties, codified laws, and statutes for discovery and interpretation of law.
- Courtroom skills, including appropriate behavior, attire, and decorum, and familiarity with court rules and regulations.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Word and email use.
- Knowledge of current and possible future policies, practices, trends, and information affecting the company's businesses.
- Proactive responsibility for career development.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
- Required to work on-site as needed.
- Ability to travel as necessary.
- Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, or stressful environment.
- Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Career Development:
The company emphasizes career development, providing support through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching, and robust learning and development programs. Employees are encouraged to grow and develop at every level.
Salary Information:
The position is salaried, but specific salary details are not provided in the text.
Benefits:
The company offers comprehensive benefits to support health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 401K with a company match.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Company-paid holidays.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Cultural Awareness Day in support of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE).
- On-site medical/wellness center (available in some locations).
EEO Statement:
The company values diversity in the workplace and provides equal employment opportunities and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants based on experience, training, education, and ability, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, or any other status protected by law. The company is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and offers reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
Privacy Policy:
The company's privacy policy and online privacy statement can be viewed on its website. California residents can view information regarding data collection and use.
