Sr. Trial Attorney

Nationwide•Washington, DC

7d•$138,000 - $206,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide Trial Division is a national team with approximately 40 offices across six regions in the United States. Senior Trial Attorneys are seasoned litigation attorneys who provide legal services supporting Nationwide’s mission to protect people, businesses, and futures. They represent clients under commercial and personal lines insurance policies, independently as lead counsel and as part of a team when needed. Caseloads typically include matters of varying complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations across courts and agencies in assigned jurisdictions. The role requires managing a productive caseload with organized, proactive case management, effective collaboration, and appropriate use of technology. The preferred candidate has insurance defense experience and is located in Seattle, Washington, or the Portland, Oregon area. The position is hybrid or fully remote depending on location. There are no billable hours and the stated paralegal-to-attorney ratio is 1:1. The attorney handles litigation with minimal managerial oversight, provides sound case valuations, builds professional relationships with legal and claims partners, and contributes to the Trial Division’s reputation and referral opportunities. The position also includes mentoring junior attorneys and staff. The role is generally performed in an office environment, though it may be staffed from home based on office needs. Frequent travel and occasional overnight travel are required, and extended hours are often necessary.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Maintain an active license in the state where the position is located.
Typically more than eight years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
Significant litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
Experience with complex legal practices and procedures in courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with staff and attorneys on-site and remotely, and to mentor and serve as a role model for colleagues.
Significant negotiation skills.
Ability to process information efficiently and effectively.
Excellent analytical and legal skills, and resourcefulness as a creative problem solver.
Computer proficiency and a solid understanding of basic software.
Ability to adapt to changes in law, legal technology, and court systems, including electronic filing.
Strong time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to make decisions, set priorities, and make recommendations.
Ability to initiate, prioritize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
Leadership skills for influencing, motivating, problem solving, and strengthening and developing business with colleagues, clients, and claims partners.
Must follow the private-practice-of-law policy and ethical rules of the state where the position is located, as well as corporate and Trial Division policies and procedures.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record under Nationwide standards.
Must complete a valid credit check and/or background check as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Insurance defense experience.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: appellate practice, commercial auto, commercial premises, commercial material damage, commercial property, complex commercial, complex personal lines liability, homeowners liability, dog bite, slip and fall or trip and fall, trucking, liquor liability, wrongful death, federal practice, material damage, personal lines auto, personal lines property damage, premises liability, products liability, trucking defense, or uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Location in Seattle, Washington, or the Portland, Oregon area.

Responsibilities

Handle litigation matters independently as lead counsel or as part of a team, using effective trial advocacy and following Nationwide Trial Division methodology, claims requirements, and client expectations.
Manage cases proactively and efficiently, maintaining appropriate work product quality and a productive caseload.
Use technology and collaborate with support staff to support efficient case management.
Stay current on changes in law, technology, local rules, and procedural requirements affecting litigation strategy in assigned jurisdictions.
Apply expertise in assigned Trial Division concentrations and develop additional concentrations as business needs require.
Provide factually, legally, and analytically sound case valuations, updating them promptly and communicating them to clients and claims.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with Office of the Chief Legal Officer associates, claims partners, and legal and insurance industry colleagues.
Use professional relationships to strengthen the Trial Division’s reputation and expand case referral opportunities.
Communicate effectively and proactively with clients, claims, internal Trial Division colleagues, and others in relevant jurisdictions and communities.
Mentor junior attorneys and Trial Division staff through guidance and training, and model engagement, coaching, efficiency, collaboration, and constructive feedback.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Demonstrate Nationwide values and comply with private-practice policies, applicable state ethical rules, and corporate and Trial Division policies and procedures.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.