Director, Claim Counsel

RLI Insurance • Chicago, IL

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

RLI is a different kind of insurance company, known for its specialty products, unique business model, and strong culture. We are seeking a Director, Claim Counsel to manage coverage and bad faith litigation nationwide. This role involves providing competent legal advice on claim-related matters, managing outside counsel, and achieving optimal resolution of litigation. The position also requires consulting with the Claim Department on coverage issues, researching legal decisions and legislation, and providing training on various claim handling topics. Additionally, the role will offer legal advice on policy language, product development, and special projects.

Requirements

• J.D. required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law at a law firm or insurance company, preferably both.
• Experience providing legal advice and handling coverage and bad faith litigation arising under commercial general liability and/or first party property policies.
• Experience handling bodily injury and property damage liability claims or litigation, preferably both.
• Experience analyzing coverage under commercial general liability, first party property, and other insurance policies and defending alleged bad faith claims preferred.
• Ability to use analytical methods in complex claim processes to find workable solutions.
• Ability to generate innovative solutions within the Claim Counsel Department.
• Ability to communicate findings and recommendations effectively to management on Claim Counsel department matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively on claim counsel matters.
• Ability to collaborate with and develop others to facilitate increased performance.
• Ability to apply a strategic perspective to improve claim outcomes.
• Ability to provide a high level of service to the Claim Department and other key stakeholders including clear communication, sound judgment, and practical advice.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with additional product lines preferred.
• Experience providing coverage advice and handling coverage and bad faith litigation across multiple US jurisdictions strongly preferred.
• Experience with insurance policy drafting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage coverage and bad faith litigation by and against the Company countrywide by providing competent legal advice and counsel on claim related matters.
• Manage outside coverage counsel in coverage and bad faith litigation, including review all company filings and discovery responses.
• Achieve optimal results by resolving claim-related coverage litigation fairly, expeditiously, and economically.
• Consult with and provide legal advice to the Claim Department on coverage issues, including reviewing coverage letters or other documentation.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate external coverage and bad faith decisions and legislation across multiple US jurisdictions.
• Provide training and legal advice to Claim Department, including on coverage issues, file documentation, litigation management, excess vs. primary disputes, catastrophe claims, and claim handling issues.
• Provide legal advice and consultation on policy language and product development.
• Provide legal advice to Claim Department on other issues and disputes that arise from coverage and claim handling.
• Provide legal advice on special projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed.

Benefits

• Annual bonus plans
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution
• Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
• Parental and family care leave
• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
• Employee assistance program
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Training & certification opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Education bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree