Sr. Trial Attorney

Nationwide•Washington, DC

8d•$138,000 - $206,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide's Legal team is seeking a Sr. Trial Attorney to join their diverse organization. This role supports a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, focusing on delivering innovative business solutions with excellence. The position emphasizes providing top-quality legal services to protect people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care. The Nationwide Trial Division is a national team with approximately 40 offices across six regions in the United States. Senior Trial Attorneys are experienced litigation attorneys with significant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. They represent clients under both commercial and personal lines insurance policies as lead counsel, and also as part of a larger team. Caseloads vary in complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations across all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction(s). The role requires maintaining a highly productive case volume through innovative thinking, effective collaboration, embracing technology, and a proactive approach to case management.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active license in the state in which 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.
Engages in complex legal practices and procedures throughout all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.
Highly effective and professional written and verbal communication skills.
Highly collaborative, capable of working with staff and other attorneys on-site and remotely.
Significant negotiation skills.
Ability to process information efficiently and effectively.
Excellent analytical and legal skills.
Resourceful, creative problem solver.
Computer savvy with a solid understanding of basic software and use of same.
Capable of adapting to changes in the law and technology in the law and court systems (e.g., electronic filings, etc.).
Strong time management and organization skills.
Decision-making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
Ability to initiate, prioritize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
Leadership skills used in direct and/or indirect influencing such as motivating, problem solving, business strengthening and development with colleagues, clients and claims partners.
Stays in sync with the private practice of law policy and the ethical rules of the state where the position is located.
Must acknowledge and follow all corporate and NTD policies and procedures.
Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.
Valid credit check and/or background check required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Insurance defense experience.
Experience in appellate practice, commercial auto, commercial premises, commercial material damage, commercial property, complex commercial, complex personal lines liability, homeowners liability, dog bite, slip and fall/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, and uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Located in Seattle, WA or the Portland, OR area.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates trial advocacy skills independently as lead counsel, or as part of a team, with efficiency, proactive case management, work ethic, and quality work product to handle all matters in accordance with Nationwide Trial Division (NTD) standard methodology guidelines, claims, and client expectations.
Requires minimal managerial oversight and guidance from the Managing Trial Attorney and NTD Leadership in all aspects of core duties and job responsibilities.
Adept at effectively utilizing technology and collaboratively working with support staff for efficient case management.
Demonstrates consistent awareness of changes to the law, technology, local rules, procedural requirements, and other aspects of the legal and insurance industries that may impact liability and recovery litigation strategies.
Possesses and consistently performs with the subject matter expertise and trial advocacy skills required for all NTD concentrations held. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to develop and learn additional or new NTD concentrations as needed.
Provides factually, legally, and analytically sound opinions on case valuations that are promptly updated and timely communicated to the client and claims.
Independently establishes and maintains strong professional relationships with key associates within the Office of the Chief Legal Officer and claims partners (senior director level and below), as well as with colleagues within the legal and insurance industries.
Utilizes relationships to build and improve NTD’s reputation and expand case referral opportunities within the enterprise.
Communicates effectively, consistently, and proactively, meeting client, claims, and internal NTD communication expectations (written and verbal).
Serves as a mentor for junior attorneys and NTD staff, providing guidance and training, and acting as a role model.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.