WC Executive Trial Attorney - NJ/PA - Hybrid

Selective Insurance Company of America•Tredyffrin Township, PA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

Selective Insurance is seeking an Executive Trial Attorney for either the Wayne, PA, Marlton or Roseland, NJ staff counsel office. New Jersey and Pennsylvania workers compensation experience required. Provides legal representation to insureds of the Company in defense of litigated claims. Provides advice to the claims department of the Company, other Staff Counsel attorneys, and represents the Company in complex litigated matters. Matters assigned for defense are the most complex, and/or have highest exposures. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

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 the jurisdiction required.
Workers’ compensation experience in the jurisdiction of NJ and PA is required.
At least 15 years legal experience in one or both of the jurisdictions required.

Nice To Haves

Legal case management software experience preferred.
Trial of at least 15 matters to conclusion and appellate experience preferred.
Prior leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the work of assigned Trial Attorneys and provides supervisory guidance to support their activities
Assists the Managing Attorney with implementing office procedures, workflows and policies.
Prepares and tries complex, high exposure cases to conclusion before judges (possibly in multiple jurisdictions). Participates in mediations of complex cases which are not earmarked for trial.
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.
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.
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.
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 Lexis, 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.
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.
Responsible for the strategic, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases
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