Claims Coverage Counsel/Claims Coverage Administrator

Merchants • Bedford, NH

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Merchants Insurance Group is seeking an experienced Claims Coverage Counsel or Claims Coverage Administrator for its Claim Legal Team in Bedford, New Hampshire. The position handles first- and third-party coverage review, analysis, and decisions across all levels of claims, including litigated claims. The role prepares coverage opinions and position letters for complex coverage issues and disputes, and advises claims professionals on risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies.

The position assesses and directs coverage litigation strategy with outside counsel and claims professionals, including developing and executing plans to manage coverage litigation through resolution. It 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, investigation, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices across multiple venues. Depending on qualifications, the role may provide legal support to underwriting, product development, and regulatory compliance programs. The individual may provide claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to all levels of management, including senior management.

The position follows a hybrid schedule requiring two full days per week in the Bedford office, with flexibility to work remotely or in the office on the remaining days.

Requirements

• At least five years of insurance coverage experience and/or practicing attorney experience.
• At least ten years of technical experience in complex coverage analysis.
• High competency in insurance coverage analysis, policy construction, and legal research.
• Exemplary writing skills and advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training, with strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an insurance organization and build cross-departmental relationships.
• Experience with construction and labor law litigation coverage issues related to risk transfer.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Strong 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 communications consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
• Collaborate with claims professionals and managers to provide coverage analysis and prepare or review coverage position letters for complex coverage issues or disputes.
• Provide legal or coverage guidance to claims professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which Merchants is a named party.
• Direct outside counsel on litigation strategy and manage coverage litigation through final resolution in conjunction with claims professionals.
• Assess coverage litigation strategy and develop and execute plans for managing litigation.
• Assist claims professionals in evaluating risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies.
• Review first- and third-party coverage and make coverage decisions for claims at all levels, including litigated claims.
• Lead training for claims staff on legal and coverage matters, policy interpretation, investigatory processes, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices.
• Provide claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams.
• Support regulatory compliance programs with research on statutes and regulations affecting the business.
• Review policy forms for updates and revisions and ensure compliance with state regulations, statutes, and case law.
• Provide claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management as appropriate.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule with two full days per week in the office and flexibility for the remaining days.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) employer match of 100% up to 6% of annual contributions, immediately 100% vested.
• Company bonus program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Colleague appreciation events.
• Welcoming and positive work environment.

What This Job Offers

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