Director, Trial Attorney (Subrogation)

USAA•Pensacola, FL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

USAA is seeking a dedicated Director, Trial Attorney (Subrogation) to lead a team of Legal Assistants and Trial Attorneys managing subrogation matters from pre-suit through litigation. This role involves evaluating liability, damages, and recovery potential, driving cases to resolution, preparing legal documents, handling hearings and negotiations, and applying cost-effective litigation strategies. The position requires providing clear case assessments, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring adherence to reporting standards and deadlines. This role offers a flexible, hybrid work environment, with most time spent working from home and some time at the staff counsel law office. Travel within the Florida area for case-related proceedings is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required.
8 years of experience practicing law handling litigation with trial experience.
3 years of team lead or management experience.
Licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction(s) served.
Active member and in good standing of the bar in at least one state or territory.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Tools.
Ability to perform online legal research.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a team of subrogation attorneys.
Active bar admission in Florida.
Experience handling subrogation, insurance recovery, or defense matters—including auto property damage or liability claims.
Demonstrated understanding of carrier recovery strategies.
Proven ability to independently manage litigation from intake through trial, including depositions, motion practice, mediation, and courtroom advocacy, with a strong track record of favorable outcomes.
Demonstrated success in maximizing recovery through strategic negotiations, settlements, and litigation planning, coupled with strong analytical skills to evaluate liability, damages, and cost-benefit scenarios.
US military experience with skills related to one of the following MOS’s: Navy (Legalman (LN), Marines (4402, 4405, 4406,4410, 4411, 4417), Army (27A), USAF (51JX / 5J0X1).

Responsibilities

Leads a group of attorneys defending USAA members and USAA in subrogation recovery, including litigation.
Legally accountable under all state and local rules for ensuring proper legal work on litigation cases and compliant operation of a staff counsel office.
Responsible for litigation case load distribution to attorneys, workflow adjustments, and day-to-day operations within the office.
Responsible for individual caseload of subrogation recovery from case inception, discovery, mediation/arbitration, and trial, including post-trial motions and appeals.
Provides legal advice, develops, and implements legal strategy and ongoing expense projections to Claims Litigation and clients.
May also provide advice and handle matters not yet in litigation.
Prepares legal pleadings, motions, statements, memoranda, trial briefs, and other legal documents on assigned cases.
Appears in court for arbitrations, trials, and mediations.
Conducts direct settlement negotiations with plaintiff’s attorneys.
Remains current on all relevant statutes, case law, and trial-related technology.
Provides training to other attorneys, support staff, P&C Claims, and Claims Litigation regarding changes in law, litigation, and/or other processes.
Builds and supervises a team of employees for the assigned functional area through recruiting, development, retention, mentorship, support, performance management, and managerial activities.
Responsible for oversight that all Staff Counsel policies and procedures are followed and assists in the development of policies and procedures vital for the compliant operation of the office.
Ensures risks associated with business activities are successfully identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.