Trial Attorney/Sr. Trial Attorney - Buffalo (Hybrid)

Selective Insurance Company of America•Buffalo, NY

5d•$118,000 - $172,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Selective Insurance is seeking an experienced Trial/Sr. Attorney to handle insurance defense cases for our New York Staff Counsel office. The successful candidate will work out of the Buffalo, NY office. This is a hybrid role so the Attorney can work remotely 3 days per week. Provides legal representation to insureds of the Company in defense of litigated claims. Provides advice to the claims department of the Company and represents the Company in certain litigated matters. Responsible for managing a case load from inception to resolution. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Excellent customer service, writing and oral communication skills required.
Ability to demonstrate independent judgment, research, litigation, and analytical skills.
Strong legal research and writing skills required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Edge or Chrome required.
Legal case management software experience required
Typing skills required.
Must have valid state-issued driver’s license in good standing.
Juris Doctor degree from ABA accredited law school required.
Member in good standing of the Bar of the jurisdiction required.
Knowledge of State laws, local court policies and procedures.
7+ years Trial Attorney/15 years Sr. Trial Attorney legal experience in the jurisdiction required.

Nice To Haves

Detailed knowledge of the business unit and industry preferred.
Experience with TeamConnect and dictation software preferred.
Trial experience preferred.
Multi-state Bar admittance preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently represents the Insured before the assigned Court and presents witnesses and evidence on litigated claims.
Analyzes complex legal and factual issues, conducts extensive, well-reasoned legal research, independently develops and presents initial defense strategies on behalf of the Insured.
Drafts pleadings, written discovery, motions and briefs in support of defense strategies.
Prepares for, attends and handles all activities related to full trial and/or appeals, as assigned.
Provides effective and timely communications, information, legal advice and other services to clients and claims professionals on legal and factual issues.
Assists in developing training materials for the Claims Department.
Communicates with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Code of Professional Conduct.
Responsible for the prompt, efficient and effective disposition of assigned cases.
Travels to depositions, court appearances, claims and client meetings, and other events as necessary. Car travel represents approximately 20% of employee’s time.
Keeps current with market trends and demands. Attends continuing legal education seminars in order to maintain a high level of professional expertise.
Performs all other functionally related duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.
Provides legal representation to Selective’s insureds in defense of litigated claims.
Provides advice to our claims partners and represents Selective in certain litigated matters.
Responsible for managing a case load from inception to resolution.
Analyzes legal and factual issues, conducts legal research, and independently develops and advances defense strategies on behalf of the Insured.
Prepares pleadings, written discovery, motions, and briefs in support of defense strategies.
Prepares for, attends, and handles all activities related to full trials and/or appeals, as assigned.
Responsible for the strategic, efficient, and effective disposition of assigned cases.
Provides effective and timely communications, information, legal advice, and other services to clients and claims professionals on legal and factual issues, adhering to our litigation guidelines.
Communicates with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel, and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Code of Professional Conduct.
Assists in developing training materials for the Claims Department.
Performs all other functionally related duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.