Attorney III

SAIF•Portland, OR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Division at SAIF Corporation provides superior service to employers throughout Oregon and excellent training to SAIF employees. This trial attorney position represents SAIF and its policyholders at hearings and other claims-related proceedings, and mediates or negotiates claims to settlement. The role requires expertise in Oregon workers’ compensation laws and rules, as well as SAIF’s policies and procedures. The attorney will also collaborate with the Claims Division and offer legal advice on claims to SAIF staff and policyholders. The selected candidate must reside in Oregon and can work from a home office or any of SAIF’s regional offices, with occasional travel throughout the state. The position has the ability to work remotely from a home in Oregon, but the candidate must be available to handle cases primarily based out of the Salem and/or Portland area. Case assignments may be adjusted based on business needs. SAIF is recruiting for multiple attorney positions to accommodate varying skill and experience levels, and the appropriate level will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Requirements

Law degree with license to practice law in Oregon or the ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Litigation background with five or more years of trial, administrative hearings, or workers’ compensation experience.
Other combinations of skills and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop strategies to represent SAIF and its insureds at hearings and other claims-related proceedings for a full case load, including assigned businesses and assigned and contact employer accounts.
Attend hearings and conduct trials.
Take depositions of witnesses.
Mediate or negotiate and settle claims.
Provide legal advice to SAIF personnel and insureds in claims-related matters.
Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of Oregon workers’ compensation laws and rules and SAIF’s policies and procedures.
Ensure work conducted complies with all applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
Participate in geographic staffings and specialty staffings.
Exhibit an expertise in oral and written communication skills and medical knowledge to effectively interact with insurers and medical professionals.
Independently conduct depositions of lay and medical witnesses and perform doctor conferences.
Independently handle complex medical and legal cases.
Undertake complex business contributions such as: Critical Claims Unit (CCU) cases and advice; compensability and disability staffings; blood borne pathogens (BBP) cases and advice; asbestosis cases and advice; combined condition advice; coverage and subjectivity; fire fighter presumption; fatal cases; Periodic Legal Update (PLU); Medicare, out-of-state coverage advice; permanent total disability (PTD) reversals, advice, and cases; SACHMOD; Claims Legal Advisory Committee (CLAC); wrap-ups; and OAR committee work.
Serve as a mentor for Attorney I and II.
Handle advice and trial work for assigned insurers as requested by the Legal Management Team.
Deliver legal updates/trainings to the claims division to ensure current knowledge and strategies for managing claims within current legal climate.
Explore diverse perspectives and consistently behave sensitively toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.
Work effectively with others who have different perspectives, backgrounds, and/or work styles.