Claims Coverage Counsel/Claims Coverage Administrator

Merchants Insurance Group•Bedford, NH

6d•$100,000 - $160,000•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 role is responsible for preparing coverage opinions and position letters concerning complex coverage issues and disputes, and for assisting claims professionals with risk-transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies. It assesses and directs coverage litigation strategy with outside counsel and claims professionals, including developing and executing plans to manage coverage litigation through resolution. The position handles first- and third-party coverage review, analysis, and decisions across all claim levels, including litigated matters. It provides claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management, reviews policy forms for updates and revisions to ensure compliance with state regulations, statutes, and case law, and trains claims staff in policy interpretation, investigation, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices across multiple venues. Depending on qualifications, the role may also provide legal support to underwriting, product development, and regulatory compliance programs; these additional legal-support duties are specified for a JD candidate. The role is based in Bedford, New Hampshire, with a hybrid schedule requiring two full days per week in the office and flexibility to work remotely or in the office on the remaining days. The estimated salary range is $100,000–$160,000, based on leveling and geography, with an equity component and comprehensive benefits. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Requirements

At least five years of insurance coverage experience and/or practicing attorney experience.
Minimum 10 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 presentation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels and build cross-departmental relationships.
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.
Proficiency with Westlaw or other legal research applications.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor degree and a license in good standing; a law degree is preferred, but candidates without one may be considered if they have deep technical experience in significant and complex coverage scenarios, including New York construction/labor law and other commercial claims.
CPCU designation is highly desirable.
Prior leadership experience is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Prepare coverage communications, opinions, and position letters consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
Collaborate with front-line claims professionals and managers to provide coverage analysis and prepare or review coverage position letters for complex coverage issues or disputes.
Assist claims professionals in evaluating risk-transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies.
Provide legal or coverage guidance to claim professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which Merchants is a named party.
Assess and direct coverage litigation strategy in coordination with outside counsel and claims professionals, including developing and executing plans to manage litigation through final resolution.
Conduct first- and third-party coverage review, analysis, and decisions for claims at all levels, including litigated claims.
Provide claim, policy, regulatory, and legal expertise to management, including senior management, as appropriate.
Review policy forms for updates and revisions and ensure compliance with state regulations, applicable statutes, and case law.
Lead and deliver training for claims staff on policy interpretation, investigative processes, regulatory compliance, and good-faith claims practices across multiple venues.
Provide claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams.
Assist with regulatory compliance programs through supplementary research on 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 requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work the remaining days remotely or in the office.
Competitive pay scale, with an estimated salary range of $100,000–$160,000 based on leveling and geography, plus an equity component.
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.
Comprehensive benefits package.