Senior Counsel, Litigation and Claims

Hub International Insurance•Chicago, IL

About The Position

HUB International is seeking a Senior Counsel, Litigation & Claims to report to the Chief Counsel, Litigation & Claims. This role will resolve a high volume of active claims and potential claims in the United States and Canada, with over 80% involving allegations of insurance broker professional liability (errors and omissions). The Senior Counsel will analyze new claims, conduct investigations, review key documents, interview employees, determine potential exposure, analyze coverage positions, prepare reports to management, negotiate settlements, advise internal clients, manage subpoenas, retain and supervise outside counsel, and participate in mediations, arbitrations, and trials. Additionally, this role will train internal clients on legal issues, develop data on errors and omissions experience, identify trends, recommend corrective measures, advise management and business units, and monitor legal changes impacting Hub. This position serves as a Legal Department liaison and resource to Claims and other business units.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from a U.S. law school and bar admission in any U.S. state
5+ years’ professional legal experience at any law firm, insurance brokerage, other in-house legal department or insurance company
Strong knowledge of the insurance industry, especially insurance coverage
Superior written and oral communications skills
Technological skills relating to data analysis and efficient case handling
Demonstrated ability to handle many diverse projects simultaneously

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with employment, corporate, transactional and non-solicitation law is a plus.

Responsibilities

Resolve a high volume of active claims and potential claims in the United States and Canada, over 80% of which involve allegations of insurance broker professional liability (errors and omissions)
Analyzes new claims and lawsuits, begins factual investigation, identifies key participants and documents, and determines initial strategy.
Reviews key documents (contracts, policies, applications, correspondence, complaints/demands, carrier position/reservation of rights letters) relating to the claim.
Conducts thorough investigation of facts and interviews Hub employees most knowledgeable of the facts relating to the claim.
Determines potential exposure based on liability, alleged damages, fees that may be needed to defend and the applicable law relating to the duties of an insurance broker and other legal issues.
Analyzes coverage position of the insurer, determines its merit and engages with insurer as may be appropriate.
Prepares reports to management on developments, exposure and potential for resolution.
If settlement is appropriate, negotiates with parties and/or counsel.
Advises local team and claimant when we have determined there is no legal exposure for Hub.
Manages non-party subpoenas for documents and depositions.
Retains and supervises outside counsel when needed for advice or defense of the Company
Manages outside counsel, enforces litigation management guidelines and approves invoices.
Engages with counsel on strategy, early settlement, and development of facts.
Works with outside counsel, Hub IT and e-discovery vendor to collect and produce Hub documents relating to the matter.
Participates actively in mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
Trains and advises internal clients on various legal issues including how to avoid professional negligence and other types of legal liability
Develops data regarding the company’s errors and omissions experience.
Identifies common trends or specific issues relating to omissions claims generally.
Recommends corrective measures.
Advises management of Hub operating companies and Legal Department
Reports to corporate and local management (in general and on specific matters)
Provides legal support for our business as an insurance broker and addresses various legal issues that arise in servicing our clients’ insurance needs.
Legal Department liaison and legal resource to Claims and other Hub business units.
Monitors and reports on changes in law impacting Hub.