Senior Litigation Specialist

Berkley•Scottsdale, AZ

About The Position

The Senior Litigation Specialist handles advanced-level, primarily litigated commercial first-party property and/or third-party general liability losses in a paperless environment. The role requires prompt, courteous, and professional verbal and written communication, and covers claims from assignment through resolution. The specialist analyzes coverage, liability, and damages; sets and monitors reserves; determines and executes claim strategies; and works toward prompt and economical resolution in compliance with Department guidelines and best practices. The position also provides technical support through mentoring and knowledge-sharing, offers job-function overviews or subject-matter training to interns and others, and participates occasionally in projects and initiatives involving other departments or W. R. Berkley companies. The primary location is Scottsdale, Arizona, with New Mexico also listed as an additional location. Sponsorship is not offered.

Requirements

At least 20 years of insurance experience.
Intermediate knowledge of computer programs in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and email.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to communicate effectively by telephone.
Coverage analysis, investigation, evaluation, and negotiation skills.
Litigation claim management and reserve management skills.
Policy interpretation skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to mentor technically and share knowledge.
Reporting and documentation skills.
Vendor management and regulatory compliance skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, email, and telephone communication.
High school diploma or GED, or one to three months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates required by applicable states.

Nice To Haves

Some college preferred.
CPCU, AIC, AEI, or completion of other insurance-related classes preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and set up new loss assignments promptly in compliance with Department guidelines and best practices.
Establish initial loss and expense reserves and regularly assess their adequacy, accuracy, and compliance with reserving guidelines.
Analyze policy language and loss facts to make appropriate coverage decisions.
Draft complex coverage correspondence, including reservation-of-rights letters and coverage disclaimers, in compliance with state laws and regulations.
Prepare detailed correspondence for insureds, claimants, attorneys, agents, and regulatory agencies.
Manage primarily litigated claim files from inception to closure, including investigating coverage, liability, and damages; planning and executing appropriate actions; and resolving files promptly and economically.
Document claim activity clearly, including the current strategy, action plan, and exit plan.
Apply advanced coverage analysis, investigation, evaluation, and negotiation skills.
Direct and control the activities and costs of outside vendors, including defense and coverage counsel, experts, and independent adjusters.
Present and discuss loss facts and issues in roundtable discussions with peers and management.
Prepare and transmit Large Loss Reports and other detailed reports regularly and on time.
Manage and monitor the claim caseload using available resources.
Obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses, including meeting continuing-education requirements.
Serve as a technical resource by mentoring and sharing knowledge one-on-one, in small groups, or in larger presentations.
Meet with interns and others to provide job-function overviews or subject-matter training as needed.
Participate occasionally in projects and initiatives led by other departments or W. R. Berkley companies, including audits, workshops, focus groups, and task forces.
Communicate appropriately with management and other departments.
Attend internal and external seminars and training events and provide feedback to peers or management.
Perform other duties as assigned.