AVP, Staff Counsel

Directly reports to the VP, Claim Legal. Direct the performance of staff counsel offices within assigned territory to support enterprise strategy, improve operational efficiency and maximize claim outcomes. Ensure superior performance in the representation of policyholders, providing guidance for quality outcomes and the efficient management of claim litigation and expense. Identify and monitor measures of productivity, performance and staffing. Oversee compliance with staff counsel operating model and best practices. Collaborate across departments to ensure coordination of initiatives.

Leadership:

Ensure alignment of staff counsel offices with department and company strategy and objectives.
• Supervise the work of staff counsel Directors as part of overall accountability for the quality and quantity of work including the performance of all personnel within the assigned territory.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships within Claims and with other departments.
• Represent the department on relevant projects and initiatives.

Litigation Management and Strategy:

• In conjunction with claim leadership, develop and implement procedures to effectuate the overarching claims litigation strategy.
• Create and champion expense management initiatives across all phases of the claim lifecycle including early case assessment, targeted and timely resource deployment, budgeting and financial management, resolution planning).
• Recommend and provide technical and legal training; manage and organize CLE for staff counsel.

Staff Counsel Operations:

• Optimize functional teams for the offices to ensure personnel and resources are appropriately allocated.
• Contribute to the design of department goals and the accomplishment of those goals. Provide direction to the staff counsel Directors in setting and accomplishing office goals.
• Develop and implement file evaluation process to ensure proper case handling and compliance with quality standards and best practices.

Data Analytics and Reporting:

• Champion a culture of data-driven decision making.
• Support the identification and day-to-day management of claim legal data collection and stewardship.
• Contribute to the design and development of business metrics and leadership dashboards in coordination with the data analytics team.

Professional Development and Team Leadership:

• Build and develop a high-performing team of professionals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and work with employees to establish career development plans, fostering a culture of accountability, empowerment and growth.
• Meet regularly with employees to discuss their progress and concerns and to offer ongoing coaching and support.
• Manage, conduct and timely complete performance evaluation process for direct reports.
• Remain current on advances in all the above areas of responsibility.

• Leadership: 3-5 years of experience in a management role, experience as a leader of leaders preferred.
• Litigation: 10-15 years of first-chair litigation and/or property & casualty claim experience. Workers' Compensation expertise and a mix of private practice and in-house litigation strongly preferred.
• Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement: Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives.
• Data Analytics: Experience with developing claim outcome measures of production and quality. Demonstrated ability to analyze claim and legal expense data to drive performance.
• Litigation Management: Expertise across all aspects of the end-to-end claim lifecycle including litigation avoidance, investigation, assessment and exposure evaluation, litigation planning and resolution.
• Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school.
• Bar certification/licensing and good standing with appropriate state Bar
• Ability to effectively communicate complex matters to executive management.

This job description is designed to provide a general overview of the requirements of the job and does not entail a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that will be required in this position.

The salary range for this role is $185K-230K/year. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. Base pay offered may vary depending on, but not limited to education, experience, skills, geographic location, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics. This range may be modified in the future.

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AmTrust Financial Services offers a competitive compensation package and excellent career advancement opportunities. Our benefits include: Medical & Dental Plans, Life Insurance, including eligible spouses & children, Health Care Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, 401k Savings Plans, Paid Time Off.

AmTrust strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture where thoughts and ideas of all employees are appreciated and respected. This concept encompasses but is not limited to human differences with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion or disabilities.

AmTrust values excellence and recognizes that by embracing the diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives of its workforce, it will sustain a competitive advantage and remain an employer of choice. Diversity is a business imperative, enabling us to attract, retain and develop the best talent available. We see diversity as more than just policies and practices. It is an integral part of who we are as a company, how we operate and how we see our future.