Senior Manager, Staff Counsel - Hackensack, NJ

GEICO•West Orange, NJ

5d•$166,050 - $260,350•Hybrid

About The Position

GEICO is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee multiple Staff Counsel office activities in New Jersey. The office handles the defense of lawsuits against GEICO insureds in liability and property damage matters, as well as suits brought on behalf of GEICO involving subrogation, Uninsured Motorist (UM), and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claims in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction. The role combines legal work with management of attorneys and support staff. The Senior Manager may represent insureds and GEICO in covered matters, conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, provide requested opinions to the Claims Department, and oversee litigation work and deadlines. The manager also supervises attorney development and monitors office performance and reporting. This is a hybrid role based in Hackensack, New Jersey. Travel is required as needed, including for trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings, and conferences. The listed annual salary range is $166,050 to $260,350. GEICO states that it will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
Licensed in good standing to practice law in applicable jurisdictions and able to meet and maintain licensing requirements, including mandatory CLE requirements where applicable.
At least 10 years of litigation experience, including insurance defense or personal injury.
Management experience, specifically managing a team of attorneys and support staff.
Demonstrated successful performance handling primary trial responsibility for cases of significant severity and complexity.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodation, including thinking, reading, writing, listening, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
Ability to communicate professionally in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence or email.
Ability to document files clearly, concisely, and professionally for customers, clients, coworkers, and other employees.
Ability to follow complex instructions, resolve or facilitate resolution of conflicts, and demonstrate strong organization, priority-setting, and multitasking skills.
Ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

Manage subordinates’ activities relating to defense of liability and property damage lawsuits against GEICO insureds and UM/UIM and subrogation suits on behalf of GEICO.
Interview and/or approve job applicants for employment.
Conduct and/or review associate performance appraisals.
Initiate or approve salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes.
Counsel associates and take appropriate disciplinary action, including termination when appropriate.
May represent GEICO insureds in liability cases and represent GEICO in UM/UIM, subrogation, and property damage suits in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.
Research laws and prepare legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda.
Render opinions on liability, damages, and value as requested by the Claims Department.
May prepare and handle pleadings, motions, discovery, depositions or examinations before trial, examinations under oath, and other deadlines.
Train and supervise less experienced attorneys, including assisting attorneys as first- or second-chair counsel and/or observing attorneys at trials and arbitrations.
Monitor applicable bar requirements, including mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirements, and provide feedback on file handling quality and expense management.
Review office reports and implement changes to improve office statistics, including client-report timeliness, productivity, client and claims survey results, resolved ratio, and subrogation results.
Adhere to the GEICO Code of Conduct, company policies, and operating principles.
Meet the attendance standard of the business location to perform necessary job functions and facilitate interaction with subordinates and management.
Travel as required for trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings, and conferences.