Claims Coverage Counsel/Claims Coverage Administrator
About The Position
Merchants Insurance Group is seeking an experienced Claims Coverage Counsel or Claims Coverage Administrator for its Claim Legal Team in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. The position handles first- and third-party coverage reviews, analyses, and decisions across all claim levels, including litigated claims. It prepares coverage opinions and position letters for complex coverage issues and disputes, and assists claims professionals with risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies. The role assesses and directs coverage litigation strategy with outside counsel and claims professionals, including developing and executing plans to manage litigation through final resolution. It provides claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management, and may support underwriting, product development, and regulatory compliance programs for candidates with a JD. The position also reviews policy forms for updates and revisions to ensure compliance with state regulations, statutes, and case law, and trains claims staff on policy interpretation, investigations, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices across multiple venues. The position follows a hybrid schedule: two full days per week in the Mt. Laurel office, with flexibility to work remotely or in the office on the remaining days.
Requirements
- Minimum five years of insurance coverage experience and/or practicing attorney experience.
- Minimum ten years of technical experience in complex coverage analysis.
- High competency in insurance coverage analysis, policy construction, and legal research, with exemplary writing skills.
- Proficiency with Westlaw or other legal research applications.
- Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training, with excellent written and oral presentation skills.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills, initiative, influence, and the ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels and departments.
- Experience with construction and labor law litigation coverage issues related to risk transfer.
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work cooperatively.
Nice To Haves
- Juris Doctor degree and license in good standing.
- CPCU designation.
- Prior leadership experience.
- Deep technical experience in significant and complex coverage scenarios, including New York construction/labor law and other commercial claims.
Responsibilities
- Prepare coverage communications consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
- Collaborate with front-line claims professionals and managers on coverage analysis and the preparation or review of coverage position letters for complex coverage issues or disputes.
- Provide legal or coverage guidance to claim professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which Merchants is a named party.
- Direct outside counsel on litigation strategy and help develop and execute plans for coverage litigation through final resolution.
- Assist claims professionals in evaluating risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies.
- Review and make first- and third-party coverage decisions for claims at all levels, including litigated claims.
- Provide claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management, including senior management.
- Review policy forms for updates and revisions and ensure compliance with state regulations, statutes, and case law.
- Lead training for claims staff on legal and coverage matters, policy interpretation, investigative processes, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices.
- Provide claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams.
- Assist regulatory compliance programs with supplementary research regarding statutes and regulations affecting the business.
Benefits
- Welcoming and positive work environment.
- Colleague appreciation events.
- Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
- Hybrid work schedule with two full days per week in the office and flexibility to work the remaining days at home or in the office.
- Competitive pay scale and an equity component.
- Generous paid time off package.
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage.
- 401(k) employer match of 100% up to 6% of annual contributions, immediately 100% vested.
- Company bonus program.
- Tuition reimbursement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
