Claims Counsel

PHARMACISTS INSURANCE COMPANY•Des Moines, IA

6d•$127,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group is hiring an in-house Claims Counsel to advise and consult with file handlers on claims involving coverage matters, high exposure, highly complex legal issues, and extra-contractual claims. The role focuses on commercial insurance coverage and defense matters and includes providing legal representation for the insured and/or the Company at mediation, arbitration, or round-table discussions. Claims Counsel makes timely decisions with guidance and direction from primary stakeholders and works with Claims team leadership to develop and implement strategic programs that support Company goals. The role also involves developing leadership capabilities, motivating team members, and identifying their strengths and development needs. The AVP, Claims Counsel level makes decisions independently using personal knowledge and discretion, engages with the Executive team on strategic matters affecting multiple teams, motivates teams through effective leadership, and identifies development needs and provides feedback to team members. The primary work environment is a climate-controlled office setting. The position is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Company offers hybrid/remote work options.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience practicing law in insurance coverage and defense, including at least 2 years in leadership; or a master’s degree and 6 years of related experience in insurance coverage and defense law, including at least 1 year in leadership.
JD degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the bar of at least one state.
Business acumen in Property and Casualty Insurance Claims.
Understanding of litigation involving complex commercial entities and insurance coverage.
Ability to create effective, detailed legal strategies and defend claims and/or provide coverage counsel on commercial property and casualty insurance claims.
Ability to analyze complex issues and make critical decisions.
Ability to read, interpret, and input data efficiently and accurately.
Effective oral and written communication and ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to follow oral and written directions and apply correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to determine when and how to escalate concerns to the appropriate level of management.
Ability to contribute to team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, work independently and demonstrate initiative, and handle multiple assignments concurrently.
Ability to meet definite deadlines and manage high-pressure situations effectively.
Ability to protect confidential information and use computers and related software effectively.
Positive leadership and professionalism attributes and ability to apply strategic management concepts to decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an insurance or law firm setting working with commercial coverage and defense issues.
Experience with professional liability, workers’ compensation, property, and general liability insurance coverage.
Supervisory or management experience.
Experience with reinsurance.
Policy drafting experience.

Responsibilities

Manage liability, workers’ compensation, and subrogation counsel panels.
Manage and monitor adherence to litigation guidelines.
Provide oversight and guidance to claims employees handling litigated claims and collaborate with them on retaining outside experts.
Provide training, coaching, and claims expertise to claims personnel.
Handle complex and extra-contractual cases directly as needed.
Prepare and deliver internal presentations and participate in learning opportunities for internal staff.
Serve as a resource for claims management and leadership teams in other departments.
Advise and consult with file handlers on coverage matters, high-exposure claims, complex legal issues, and extra-contractual claims.
Provide legal representation for the insured and/or Company at mediation, arbitration, or round-table discussions.
Engage with Claims leadership to develop and implement strategic programs aligned with Company goals and objectives.
Make timely decisions, with guidance and direction from primary stakeholders at the Claims Counsel level, and independently at the AVP level.
Demonstrate leadership, motivate team members, and support their development.
At the AVP level, engage with the Executive team on strategic matters that affect multiple teams.