Senior Trial Attorney

Job Type

Full time

This is primarily a remote position reporting to an office roughly once every 6 weeks, in addition to any required in-person court appearances.

Monday
- Friday 9am-5pm

Responsible for litigation of Circuit and Federal cases of unlimited exposure where there is a multiplicity of complicated legal and factual issues involving the more serious injuries, excess damages, and high exposure litigation of identified legal issues which the Company may pursue through the appeal process.

• Analyzes, files, reviews all allegations, and renders legal opinions to Claims personnel regarding evaluation and disposition of injury cases.
• Prepares responses to civil complaints, files and answers any appropriate motions when questions of law or liability are in dispute.
• Determines feasibility of, including third-party, defendants in pending suits.
• Conducts discovery, including but not limited to depositions, interrogatories, requests for admission, etc.
• Reviews insurance policy and all pertinent documents.
• Selects legal investigators and arranges for service of subpoenas and summonses.
• Files additional motions as facts of case and proper timing warrant.
• Reviews medical and related technical data; consults with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities.
• Analyzes information obtained through discovery and determines whether settlement is in best interests of insureds and the Company.
• Prepares uninsured/underinsured motorist cases for trial or arbitration hearings.
• Prepares and submits pre-trial statements; attends pre-trial hearings before judge and conducts jury selection.
• Responsible for handling cases involving bad faith, exemplary damages, and coverage issues that may expose the Company.
• Acts as co-counsel in high exposure litigation throughout the state.
• Handles catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state.

• Prepares case for trial, examining facts and developing trial strategy for construction of a strong defense.
• Conducts defense of a case by delivering opening statements, examining and cross-examining witnesses, making and arguing motions, conferring with judges and attorneys, delivering closing arguments.
• Prepares trial briefs, encompassing the insured’s defense, applicable law, and jury instructions.
• Prepares summaries and appears before Case Evaluation Tribunal and/or Facilitator to advocate defendant’s case.
• Evaluates award and makes recommendation as to whether to accept or proceed to trial.
• Exercises discretion in discovery and motion practice, uses judgment in trial proceedings without substantial supervision.
• Acts as lead counsel for trials involving catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state.

• Keeps client advised of status of case in accordance with office guidelines and client satisfaction goals and consults with third-party clients regarding the litigation.
• Advises insured and recommends retention of independent counsel for potential “over-limits” judgment to protect insured’s assets.
• Negotiates reasonable and equitable pre-trial settlements on behalf of Company and insured, when and where possible.
• Applies cost/benefit considerations to all litigation activity.
• Advises payment of claims as appropriate.
• Coordinates trial or settlement activity with co-counsel, as necessary, to protect interest of insured.
• Recommend appeals to the Appeals Committee based on facts of case and recovery chances.

• Renders legal advice and legal opinions as requested by Claims personnel on coverage, liability and damages.
• Conducts Examinations Under…