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. The position is based primarily in Scottsdale, Arizona, with New Mexico also listed as an additional location. The specialist manages claims from assignment through resolution, including coverage analysis, investigation, liability and damage evaluation, reserving, negotiation, litigation oversight, documentation, and reporting. The role also serves as a technical resource through mentoring and training, and may participate in cross-departmental or company initiatives and training events.

Requirements

At least 20 years of insurance experience.
Intermediate knowledge of computer programs in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and email; proficiency with these tools and telephone communication is also specified.
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 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 provide technical mentoring and knowledge-sharing.
Reporting and documentation skills.
Vendor management and regulatory compliance skills.
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 as required by states.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Review and set up new loss assignments promptly in accordance with Department guidelines and best practices.
Establish initial loss and expense reserves, and regularly evaluate files for reserve adequacy, accuracy, and compliance with reserving guidelines.
Analyze policy language together with loss facts to make appropriate coverage decisions.
Draft frequent, complex coverage correspondence, including reservation-of-rights letters and coverage disclaimers that comply with applicable state statutes and regulations.
Prepare detailed correspondence for insureds, claimants, attorneys, agents, and regulatory agencies.
Manage primarily litigated claims from inception through closure, including identifying and investigating coverage, liability, and damage issues; determining and executing an appropriate action plan; and resolving files promptly and economically in accordance with guidelines and best practices.
Document claim activity clearly, including current strategy, action plans, and exit plans.
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 at all levels.
Prepare and transmit Large Loss Reports and other detailed reporting documents regularly and on time.
Manage and monitor caseloads using available resources.
Obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses, including compliance with mandatory continuing education requirements.
Serve as a Department technical resource through mentoring and knowledge-sharing in individual, small-group, or larger-group settings.
Meet with interns and others to provide job-function overviews or subject-matter training.
Occasionally participate 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.