Executive Trial Attorney - NJ (Hybrid)

Selective Insurance Company of America•Hamilton Township, NJ

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Selective Insurance is seeking an Executive Trial Attorney for either their Hamilton, Roseland or Marlton, NJ Staff Counsel Office. This role provides legal representation to insureds of the Company in the defense of litigated claims. The attorney will also provide advice to the claims department and other Staff Counsel attorneys, and represent the Company in complex litigated matters. Cases assigned will be the most complex and/or have the highest exposures. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will manage a litigation caseload tailored to their background and experience, handling a broad range of civil defense matters including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and construction defect cases. Candidates with substantial experience in these practice areas are encouraged to apply. Cases will be assigned consistent with demonstrated expertise and may expand over time.

Requirements

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Explorer or similar required.
Typing skill required.
Excellent customer service, writing and oral communication skills required.
Must have valid state-issued driver’s license in good standing.
Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school required.
Member in good standing of the Bar of New Jersey required.
At least 15 years legal experience in the jurisdiction required.

Nice To Haves

Legal case management software experience preferred.
Trial of at least 15 matters to conclusion preferred.
Management experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares and tries complex, high exposure cases to conclusion before judges, juries and other triers of fact (possibly in multiple jurisdictions).
Participates in Alternative Dispute Resolution of complex cases which are not earmarked for trial.
Dictates/prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, letters, memoranda, reports, articles, etc. using the Company’s legal case management software, dictation and voice recognition equipment.
Communicates with, meets and regularly updates the client and claims personnel regarding the status of pending matters.
Communicates with opposing counsel, the courts and others as needed, efficiently and effectively utilizing all available technology.
Researches issues using Westlaw, and other computer/web based data sources, as well as using legal treatises, law reporters and other library materials.
Provides support services to claims, underwriting and other adjunct departments in the form of legal opinions, recommendations, and digests of recent developments in decisional and statutory law.
Controls and directs clerical activity, in accordance with office protocol, necessary to support function of position.
Reports to managing attorney concerning status of matters and provides other information as requested.
Acts as a resource for attorneys throughout the program on technical legal matters.
Engages in various forms of paper discovery practice and conducts depositions and other pre-trial examinations.
Proficient in high stakes and adversarial drafting and document creation.
Travels to depositions, court appearances, claims and client meetings, and other events as necessary. Car travel represents approximately 20% of employee’s time.
Engages in other activity as directed by the managing attorney.
Independently represents Selective insureds in all phases of litigation in courts of the relevant jurisdiction as well as other tribunals and alternative dispute resolution forums.
Provide pre-suit investigative assistance when required. Case load will be smaller to accommodate supervisory responsibilities.
Analyzes complex legal and factual issues, conducts legal research, and independently develops and advances defense strategies on behalf of the Insured.
Communicates with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel, and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Code of Professional Conduct.
Oversees the work of assigned Senior and Trial Attorneys and provides supervisory guidance to support their activities.
Prepares pleadings, written discovery, motions, and briefs in support of defense strategies.
Prepares for, attends, and handles all activities related to full trials and/or appeals, as assigned.
Responsible for the strategic, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases.
Assists the Managing Attorney with implementing office procedures, workflows and policies.
Assist with developing and presenting training materials and seminars to the Claim Department.
Performs all other functionally related duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.