Staff Attorney - Construction Defect, California

UFG Career•Roseville, CA

16d•$103,222 - $172,379•Remote

About The Position

Responsible for providing high quality and cost-effective legal defense for insureds involved in construction defect claims. Demonstrates superior knowledge and expertise in the litigation process, is well versed in construction defect litigation and provides excellent client service as part of a legal team. Responsible for independent, strategic, pro-active case handling with a resolution management focus. Office in Roseville, CA or can work remotely.

Requirements

Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in California is required.
Experience: 5+ years of experience practices law that includes substantial experience in defending construction defect claims.
Trial experience is required.
Knowledge, skills & abilities: Superior legal acumen.
Able to effectively influence others through master negotiation techniques.
Demonstrate superior use of trial skills and techniques.
Demonstrate strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning skills.
Strong and persuasive legal writing skills and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), legal document management software, Westlaw/Lexis.
Ability and desire to collaborate with trial attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
Ability and desire to communicate with UFG about improving processes for the representation of insureds.
Decision making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
Ability to initiate, organize and coordinate complex projects and cases.
Sense of urgency and responsiveness.
Appreciation for and commitment to delivery of high-quality legal work
Personal integrity and adherence to a high degree of professionalism and ethical competency
Willingness to travel at 50%+ frequency.

Nice To Haves

Active license to practice law in other states is a plus.
Prior in-house Property & Casualty Insurance experience preferred.
Experience in paperless file environment and Westlaw research preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively participate and collaborate in a litigation team comprised of attorneys, paralegal/s, and administrative staff to ensure proper handling, legal strategy, and coverage of matters.
Independently conduct trials, depositions, pre-trial discovery, mediations, arbitrations or any other legal activity required to resolve cases. in an efficient and effective manner.
Provide timely and accurate review, discussion, and recommendations regarding issues of liability and damage, including settlement values, defensive tactics and strategies with claims professionals and legal team colleagues.
Work directly with insureds, claimants, counsel mediators and courts in negotiating settlements.
Provide regular written status reports to claims professionals to keep them advised.
Work with clients, claims professionals, underwriting, risk control and other third parties to resolve legal issues presented.
Keep apprised of changes in law and court procedures.
Assist in the training and development of legal colleagues and claims professionals regarding the handling of matters, legal strategy, and applicable law, including changes in the law.
Assist in continuous improvement of staff counsel operations and efficiency.
Comply with ethical and continuing legal education requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.