Senior Counsel, In-House Coverage Litigation Firm

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That’s the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 170 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Claim, Legal

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range

$146,400.00 - $241,600.00

1

Our growing, dynamic in-house law firm focused exclusively on insurance coverage litigation is looking to add an experienced litigator in New Jersey and New York. The Senior Counsel will represent Travelers in state and federal court in the litigation and resolution of Commercial and Personal lines insurance coverage disputes. The Senior Counsel will serve as lead counsel on moderately complex to complex coverage matters, requiring a solid degree of knowledge and expertise, from inception through all phases of litigation.

What Will You Do?

• Appears on behalf of the Company in both federal and state courts to argue motions and handle trials, status conferences, and other substantive and procedural matters in the litigation of insurance coverage disputes.
• Determines appropriate legal strategies and positions, as well as action on litigation; provide advice on possible outcomes, awards and settlements.
• Drafts motions, briefs, pleadings, written discovery, other legal documents, correspondence, and memoranda to identify and protect legal interests of the company.
• Proposes, prepares and responds to and evaluates oral and written discovery.
• Prepares and/or reviews annual legal fees budget for assigned cases.
• Has frequent, independent contact with clients, witnesses, experts and adversaries through counsel.
• Provides recommendations and case analysis to all business partners on appropriate file handling strategy.
• Completes all required administrative tasks including time reporting, closed cases reports and other materials appropriate to performance of job duties.
• Adheres to all standards of excellence in file management.
• Provides high quality, cost effective legal advice and recommendations for action to business clients regarding moderately complex to complex matters which have or may have a dollar impact on business activities and operations.
• Research legal principles and precedents within area of specialization or expertise.
• Identifies unique issues in assigned matters and recommends appropriate responses to those issues.
• Proactively identifies and communicates risk to internal and/or external customers and provides recommendations on how to mitigate that risk.
• Advises senior business clients on financially significant and complex matters.
• Maintains awareness of judicial climate and legal developments through the review of legal publications, on-line documentation and attendance at seminars and conferences.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships.
• May act as mentor and coach to less senior attorneys, paralegal/staff; explains issues, ideas and concepts that are incorporated into work assignments.
• Makes effective use of technology and automation in the practice of law.
• Ensures timely submission of work product as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Admitted to the Bar in good standing in New Jersey with additional admission to or willingness to gain admission to the Bar in New York.
• 10 years of prior experience in the litigation of complex insurance coverage disputes.
• Knowledge and Understanding of principles of Auto, General Liability and/or Property insurance coverage.
• Advanced oral and written advocacy skills, with a demonstrated track record of summary judgment and/or appellate success.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of the bench, bar, local jurisdictional practices, adversaries.
• Excels in fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues, clients, and business partners to deliver exceptional customer service
• Demonstrates strong leadership through mentoring and influencing skills.
• Exercises sound decision making and possesses advanced negotiation skills.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities with an attention to detail, sense of urgency & responsiveness.
• Possesses a flexible and agile mindset with a willingness to take on new challenges as needs evolve.

What is a Must Have?

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent International legal degree; graduate of an accredited law school
• 7 years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
• Active license in good standing to practice law in the state(s) in which representation is required.
• Regularly handles hearings, trials, dispositive motion arguments, depositions or other court proceedings and has the ability to transport to those meetings. Valid driver's license required depending on the location.