Claim Counsel, Surety

Job Description

* CLAIM HANDLING:* Within authority limit, analyze, investigate, negotiate and resolve moderate severity Bond claims with moderate supervision by claims management* Identify all recovery opportunities and coordinate recovery efforts with the Recovery Management Unit and claims management* Prepare reports (i.e., Large Loss Memos, quarterly claim, EC, trial, class action) to management which accurately reflect loss development, potential/actual financial exposure, coverage issues, claim and recovery strategies* Within authority limit, retain, monitor, manage and approve payments to outside counsel on routine litigation matters, actively utilizing litigation management plans and budgets. Guidance is needed for non-routine litigation* Make appropriate decisions within own claim authority and make appropriate recommendations to management when necessary* Follow operational policies and procedures, including compliance, regulatory and Bond performance and customer service standards* Maintain accurate documentation/information in claim file and Bond claim management system and adhere to Claim documentation standards (i.e. coverage analysis, reserve and settlement rationale, current diary)* Solicit input and guidance from management when resolving claims which are beyond authority level. Communicate reserve adjustments to underwriting* Assist/mentor less experienced colleagues in claim resolutions* Represent Bond Claim in claim strategic initiatives (or lead team); lead Bond Claim strategic initiatives* LEGAL SUPPORT:* Conduct coverage analysis and provide coverage opinions* Answer legal questions posed by underwriters that impact underwriting decisions, combining legal research with knowledge gained based on experience handling claims* Advise underwriters regarding the legal effect of bond and policy language and the extent of coverage* Answer legal questions posed by non-lawyer claim professionals to assist them in determining the legal standards applicable to claim handling and claim decisions.* Maintain an active license and remain current with all required continuing education* BOND CLAIM SPECIFIC:* Policy interpretation/coverage analysis including drafting coverage opinions with case law included* Provide input in review/revise new product initiatives, policies and policy endorsements and provide legal opinions relative to same* TRANSACTIONAL WORK AND NEGOTIATION:* Review and draft moderate to complex coverage and reservation of rights letters and advise broker ,clients as appropriate* Reviewing and drafting releases and settlement agreements, including confidentiality and no disclosure provisions, for sufficiency, and drafting same for direct handled matters* Advise non-lawyer claim professionals on the same* Negotiate settlements/resolutions directly or via counsel using legal arguments relevant to liability, damages, and coverage* Perform other duties as assigned.* Prior work experience in Bond industry preferred* 4 or more years of work experience as a lawyer (including in-house) or claims handling preferred* Able to use negotiation skills and strategies within a litigation and non-litigation context* Able to communicate effectively through writing and in face to face presentations* Able to communicate legal advice to underwriters and management independently and/or with input from manager* Proficient in drafting transactional documents* Can effectively work through conflict and resolve issues with a professional demeanor* Bachelors degree required* Juris Doctorate in provinces outside of Quebec; Bachelor of Civil Law in Quebec* Duly qualified practitioner of law in the province in which you will be working* Minimum of 3 years work experience as a lawyer (including in-house) or claims handling required* **Health Insurance:** Employees and their eligible family members – including spouses, partners, and children – are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.* **Retirement:** Travelers provides a core contribution of 3% of your total eligible earnings to your Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (“DPSP”). Travelers also matches your savings plan contribution dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of base pay.* **Paid Time Off:** Start your career at Travelers with a minimum of 20 days Paid Time Off (“PTO”) annually, plus the opportunity to purchase additional days to allow for up to a total of 36 PTO days per year. You will also receive twelve paid company Holidays.* **Wellness Program:** The Travelers wellness program is comprised of tools, discounts and resources that empower you to achieve your wellness goals and caregiving needs. In addition, our mental health program provides access to free professional counseling services, health coaching and other resources to support your daily life needs.* **Volunteer Encouragement:** We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our employees to get involved. Travelers has a Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program that enables you to give back to the charity of your choice.
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