Senior Legal Claims Handler
About The Position
Zurich North America Claims is seeking a Senior Legal Claims Handler to manage a caseload of high complexity single and multi-party commercial surety claims from start through settlement and resolution, within specific authority limits. This role ensures claims are handled efficiently and effectively, adhering to Zurich’s claims best practices and customer-led commitment. The position involves developing strong partnerships through extensive communication with principals, brokers, and internal business unit contacts. This is a fully remote position within the U.S., reporting to a Commercial Surety Claims Manager.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor and 5 or more years of experience in the Legal area
- JD and 5 or more years of legal practice experience in the insurance area
- Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s)
- Experience in insurance claims and the insurance legal and regulatory environment
- Negotiation experience
- Customer service experience
- Microsoft Office experience
Nice To Haves
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technology and efficiency tools, with a mindset for applying them to improve claim management
- Foundational knowledge of bankruptcy-related issues and proceedings
- Prior experience in commercial surety is not required
- Experience coaching junior team members
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills
- Solid time management, prioritization and multi-tasking skills
- Experience collaborating in a team environment and building cross functional working relationships
- Demonstrates understanding of the reserving process for indemnity and expense in analyzing the potential exposure of complex claims
- Ability to develop and execute a negotiation strategy and plan for resolution
- Ability to identify subtleties in customer/client and/or business partner interactions
- Ability to present information necessary to propose a claim resolution to stakeholders
Responsibilities
- Manage commercial surety claims from start to finish with a focus on quality, efficiency, and service excellence
- Analyze liability, exposure, bond obligations, and damages by gathering and analyzing relevant facts and utilizing applicable law
- Build claim strategies to drive timely, high-quality claim resolutions
- Set and monitor reserves throughout the claim lifecycle using analytical judgment
- Negotiate settlements by establishing appropriate negotiation strategy and utilizing available tools and resources within authority limits
- Deliver clear, timely communication to stakeholders throughout the claim process
- Manage vendors and expenses through approved networks
- Ensure compliance, confidentiality, and ethical claim handling
- Identify potential subrogation and fraud, and escalate appropriately
- Share claim trends and insights to support business growth and risk management
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, staying current with industry trends, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
- Coach and provide technical advice within and outside operating unit
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive benefits for employees and their families
- Short-term incentive bonus eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
