Claims Coverage Counsel/Claims Coverage Administrator

Merchants Insurance Group • Mt. Laurel, NJ

4d • $100,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Merchants Insurance Group is hiring 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 review, analysis, and decisions across all levels of claims, including litigated matters. It prepares coverage opinions and position letters for complex coverage issues and disputes, and supports 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, developing and executing plans through final resolution. It also provides coverage guidance on declaratory judgment actions involving Merchants, trains claims staff on coverage and legal matters, and reviews policy forms for updates and compliance with regulations, statutes, and case law. A candidate with a law degree may additionally support underwriting, product development, and regulatory compliance programs.

The role follows a hybrid schedule, with two full days per week in the Mt. Laurel office and flexibility to work remotely or in the office on the remaining days. The estimated salary range is $100,000–$160,000, depending on leveling and geography, with an equity component and comprehensive benefits.

Requirements

• At least five years of insurance coverage experience and/or experience practicing as an attorney.
• At least 10 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 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 ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead and work cooperatively.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor degree and a license in good standing.
• CPCU designation.
• Prior leadership experience.
• Deep technical experience with significant and complex coverage scenarios, including New York construction and labor law and other commercial claims.

Responsibilities

• Prepare coverage opinions and coverage position communications consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
• Collaborate with claims professionals and managers to analyze coverage and prepare or review position letters involving complex coverage issues or disputes.
• Assist claims professionals in evaluating risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies.
• Assess and direct coverage litigation strategy with outside counsel and claims professionals, including planning and managing litigation through final resolution.
• Provide coverage guidance to claim professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which Merchants is a named party.
• Review first- and third-party coverage for claims at all levels, including claims in litigation, and make coverage decisions.
• Review policy forms for updates and revisions to ensure compliance with state regulations, statutes, and case law.
• Lead training for claims staff on policy interpretation, investigatory processes, regulatory compliance, good-faith claims practices, and legal or coverage matters.
• Provide claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams.
• Support regulatory compliance programs with research regarding statutes and regulations that affect the business.
• Provide claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management, including senior management, as appropriate.

Benefits

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Colleague appreciation events.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) employer match of 100% up to 6% of annual contributions; employer match dollars are immediately 100% vested.
• Company bonus program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Equity component.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed