Staff Legal Sr. Liability Trial Attorney - Houston

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Houston, TX

42d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich is currently looking for an experienced Trial Attorney to join our Staff Legal Team in Houston with the flexibility of working from home while having access to a local office with support staff. This litigator will be responsible for representing the commercial insureds of a prestigious and financially stable commercial insurance carrier, by preparing and trying moderate to high exposure General Liability cases from a challenging and varied caseload. This is an exciting opportunity to work for a well-respected Company and represent its insureds in all phases of litigation, while being part of a high-performing law office. The ideal candidate will engage in the practice of law at all times in compliance with the ethical standards established by the Federal Courts and Texas State Bar. Duties of this position encompass all aspects of insurance defense, including initial investigation, legal analysis and advice, evaluating damages, preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents, performing legal research, preparing for and conducting pre-trial discovery, preparing for and aggressively handling hearings and trials, and conducting post-trial activities where appropriate. The candidate will demonstrate strong case analysis ability and have a track record of effective settlement and trial skills, as well as the ability to work independently without substantial supervision. In addition, they will be expected to mentor less experienced attorneys and provide leadership and training across the organization.

Requirements

Juris Doctor and 7 or more years of experience in the Litigation area
Member of the Texas State Bar in good standing
Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe
Experience working with Lexis or Westlaw
Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment

Nice To Haves

Experience handling insurance industry claims and general commercial litigation, including but not limited to wrongful death, commercial motor vehicle torts, products and premises liability, and personal injury, from inception through trial.
Must be well organized with good analytical skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, proactive approach to file handling and caseloads, and able to work independently as well as within a team environment.
Relevant first chair jury trial experience
Ability to budget costs and calculate exposure for clients.
Efficient work habits, knowledge of billables and diary review with substantive and procedural legal knowledge.
Understands the staff counsel function and role in overall business.
A functional and extensive knowledge of the law and procedure
Prior experience in an insurance defense environment
Strong negotiation skills
Effective problem solving skills
Experience working in a team-based environment
Strong collaboration skills
PC literate

Responsibilities

Representing the commercial insureds of a prestigious and financially stable commercial insurance carrier.
Preparing and trying moderate to high exposure General Liability cases from a challenging and varied caseload.
Representing its insureds in all phases of litigation.
Engaging in the practice of law at all times in compliance with the ethical standards established by the Federal Courts and Texas State Bar.
Performing initial investigation, legal analysis and advice.
Evaluating damages.
Preparing and filing legal pleadings and documents.
Performing legal research.
Preparing for and conducting pre-trial discovery.
Preparing for and aggressively handling hearings and trials.
Conducting post-trial activities where appropriate.
Mentoring less experienced attorneys.
Providing leadership and training across the organization.