AVP Senior Claims Counsel

Summary:  Attorney who is responsible for investigating and handling title insurance claims to resolution; and supporting the Claims Manager and the Chief Claims Counsel (Claims Manager and Chief Claims Counsel are both referred to as “Claims Management”) with managerial tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 

• Conduct appropriate investigation of claims filed with the company
• Examine title and develop strategy for resolution of claim, with a focus on the legal analysis of complex legal issues.
• Determine need to retain defense counsel to defend the company or its insured in litigation and engage outside counsel with required approvals
• Direct and supervise litigation
• Evaluate liability and establish settlement and expense reserves
• Negotiate with claimant / opposing counsel / third parties for resolution
• Attend mediations and other required court appearances / processes
• Resolve non-litigation claims through investigation, corrective documents, negotiation, or payment
• Draft agreements and corrective documents
• Review and approve invoices for costs and attorneys’ fees
• Evaluate recovery options and seek recoupment as appropriate
• Draft educational and training materials for seminars and present at seminars
• Assist Claims Management with assignment of notices, training of staff, drafting claim templates
• If also an officer of the Company, execute on behalf of the Company documents such as Settlement Agreements, Policy Endorsements.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including agency, underwriting, compliance, senior management, regulators, and business partners.
• Advise on appropriate and jurisdictionally applicable claims handling practices.

Reports to:  Claims Management

Competency:   Assignments are broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.  Operates with substantial latitude for un-reviewed action or decision and has ability to evaluate matters which may have a major bearing on the conduct of the organization’s business.   

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: 

• Juris Doctorate Degree
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. state
• Minimum five years’ experience with title insurance claims administration or real estate law

Language Ability:  Ability to

• Read, analyze, and interpret legal documents and legal descriptions;
• Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community;
• Prepare and present speeches, seminars, and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.

Math Ability:  Basic mathematical ability

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Computer Skills: Proficient with internet, typing, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Certificates and Licenses:  License to Practice Law

Supervisory Responsibilities:  This job has some supervisory responsibilities, as assigned by Claims Management.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Those encountered in a typical office environment.