Senior Associate, General & Auto Liability Staff Counsel

Amerisure creates exceptional value for its partners, policyholders, and employees. As a property and casualty insurance company, Amerisure’s promise to our partner agencies and policyholders begins with a comprehensive line of insurance products designed to protect businesses, as well as the health and safety of every employee. With an A.M. Best “A” (Excellent) rating, Amerisure serves mid-sized commercial enterprises focused in construction, manufacturing and healthcare. Ranked as one of the top 100 Property & Casualty companies in the United States, we proudly manage nearly $1 Billion of Direct Written Premium and maintain $1.21 billion in surplus.

Amerisure is currently recruiting for a Senior Associate, General & Auto Liability Staff Counsel that can do a 3-day hybrid approach onsite in our Tampa office. The ideal candidate will also possess the following skill set. 

Summary Statement

As part of Amerisure’s staff counsel operation, this role will be responsible for managing a caseload of moderately complex commercial automobile and general liability insurance defense matters in Florida. This role is responsible for responsible for ensuring best-in-class trial strategy, litigation outcomes, and client service.

Essential Tasks/Major Duties

• Handle all phases of litigation (strategy, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, trial, and post‑trial follow‑through) to ensure (i) strategic alignment, (ii) optimal outcomes, and (iii) early resolution, when appropriate.

• Analyze complex legal and factual issues and conduct thorough research to develop and execute effective defense strategies.
• Draft pleadings, discovery, motions, and briefs aligned with case strategy and procedural requirements.
• Research, draft, file and argue substantive motions on behalf of clients.
• Independently prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trials, hearings, arbitrations, and/or alternative dispute resolutions.
• Prepare for and attend trials, expedited hearings, depositions, and appeals as assigned.
• Provide clear and timely communication and legal guidance to clients and claims professionals as appropriate.
• Apply strong independent judgment, analytical skills, and litigation experience to drive optimal case outcomes.
• Partner with Claims on strategy, escalation points, and settlement objectives.
• Collaborate with Claims to develop and implement service strategies that meet or exceed the service levels committed to agents and policyholders.
• Communicate with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the  Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Ensure cases progress efficiently, managing workload to achieve timely resolutions.
• Participate in continuing legal education to stay current with insurance law, trends, and industry developments.
• Ensure full compliance with all ethical, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of civil litigation experience in commercial auto and general liability defense including significant first-chair trial experience.
• Deep understanding of Florida civil procedure, insurance law, and defense strategy.
• Experience handling bodily injury litigation.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills; adept at negotiation and courtroom presentation.
• Ability to think strategically with supporting analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated successful ability to build positive partnerships and work collaboratively with cross-functional business teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, LexisNexis, AI, workflow creation, and case-management systems.
• Maintains independence and ethical clarity.
• Ability to travel overnight and locally up to 20%.

#LI-BR1

Just as we are committed to creating exceptional value for our Partners For Success® agencies and policyholders, Amerisure also remains committed to being an employer of choice. We reinforce this commitment by adhering to an Employee Value Proposition that, in part, is provided through a competitive total rewards package. This package includes competitive base pay, performance-based incentive pay, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) savings plan with profit sharing, and generous paid time off programs. We also offer flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance. Recognized as one of the Best and Brightest® Companies to Work For in the Nation and one of Business Insurance magazine’s Best Places to Work in Insurance, we provide a workplace that fosters excellence and professional growth. If you are looking for a collaborative and rewarding career, Amerisure is looking for you.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  Amerisure provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Amerisure complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in all locations where the company operates.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.   Amerisure prohibits harassment or discrimination of any kind and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Amerisure prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination, participates in an investigation, or opposes unlawful practices. Any improper interference with an employee’s ability to perform their job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.