Claims Coverage Counsel
Hybrid Work Schedule
Buffalo, NY
Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an experienced Claims Coverage Counsel for our Corporate Claim Legal Team located in Buffalo, NY.
The Claims Coverage Counsel will be responsible for preparing coverage opinions and coverage position letters for claims involving complex coverage issues or disputes. Counsel also assists claims professionals in the evaluation of risk transfer opportunities, priority of coverage, and tender strategies. Counsel is responsible for assessing and directing coverage litigation strategy in conjunction with outside counsel and the claims professional, including developing and executing a plan to manage the coverage litigation through final resolution. Counsel will also provide legal support to underwriting, product development and regulatory compliance programs.
Merchants Insurance Group is proud to be named one of Buffalo Business First's Best Places to Work in Western New York for a second consecutive year and to be named both a "Fast Track" company and Top Private Company for the sixth year in a row by Buffalo's Business First. Merchants has also been named as one of Ward's top 50 performing insurance companies in the United States for the 4th year in a row. Ward's is the provider of benchmarking and best practices for the insurance industry. They analyze staff levels, compensation, business practices and expenses for all areas of company operations.
Merchants offers its colleagues a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Prepares coverage communication consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
- Works collaboratively with front-line claims professionals and managers to provide coverage analysis and review coverage position letters for claims involving complex coverage issues or disputes.
- Provides legal advice and counsel to claim professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which a company entity is named as a party.
- Directs outside counsel on litigation strategy through the course of claim administration and litigation.
- Proficient in the use of Westlaw or other legal research applications. Research is done on both existing matters for the purpose of specific case analysis and on a more general consumption basis for the purpose of education and training of claim staff and management. Participates in and leads topical training involving legal matters of claim staff.
- Provides claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams. Works with interdepartmental teams and otherwise provides ad hoc support in policy interpretation matters to underwriting and product development staff and assists in regulatory compliance programs by providing supplementary research regarding statutes and regulations impacting our business.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Qualified candidates will have a Juris Doctor degree, preference for licensed attorney in good standing.
- 5 plus years insurance coverage experience.
- 5 plus years as practicing attorney experience.
- High degree of competency in insurance coverage analysis, policy construction, legal research with exemplary writing skills.
- Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training with demonstrated excellent written and oral presentation skills.
- Familiarity with construction litigation coverage issues related to risk transfer.
- Proven demonstration of creative problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and work in a cooperative manner.
Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:
Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale. The actual compensation will be determined based upon experience and other factors permitted by law. The initial pay range for this position is $94,200 - $138,000.
Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:
- Welcoming and positive work environment.
- Colleague Appreciation Events.
- Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
- Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
- Competitive pay scale.
- Generous paid time off package.
- Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
- Outstanding company bonus program.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE
