Legal Counsel - Coverage

Job Type: Permanent

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox

About the Claims team:

The US Claims team at Hiscox is a growing group of professionals with experience across private practice and in-house roles, working together to provide the ultimate product we offer to the market. Claims handlers are empowered to manage their claims with high levels of authority to provide fair and fast resolution of claims for our insured and broker partners.

The role:

Under the guidance of the Head of Claims Technical provide high-quality legal and strategic advice on both litigated and non-litigated claims, with a direct focus on reviewing and evaluating coverage across all lines -- both general liability and specialty, by providing coverage consultation and recommendations to the Claims team; partnering with Claims, Underwriting and Products as respects policy wording and underwriting inquiries, and direct oversight and monitoring of coverage litigation involving Hiscox US.

What you’ll be doing as the Coverage Claims Counsel:

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide coverage review and analysis and litigation strategy, including review and/or drafting of coverage opinions, letters, reservation of rights and disclaimers.
• Oversee and provide strategic direction and implementation and execution of resolution packages on claims involving coverage issues and coverage litigation involving Hiscox US.
• Assist in providing strategic guidance on key coverage issues and trends in collaboration with the Claims senior leadership team.
• Monitor and research federal and state laws and regulations and compliance trends for changes that impact coverage and claims handling.
• Assist with, and may independently provide, training/informational initiatives for staff on emerging legal/coverage issues affecting the claims department.
• Partner with UW and Products teams to address policy wordings and related items.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop and deliver ongoing claims handling innovation and important operational projects, increase efficiencies and effectiveness, and support best-in-class practices and tools.
• Play a key role managing productivity goals for panel coverage counsel that address handling driven leakage through effective investigation, timely determination of liability, accurate exposure assessment and prompt resolution.
• Maintain awareness of judicial climate, current case law, skillful defense techniques and professional expertise through the review of legal publications, seminar/conference attendance, etc. and legal research.
• May attend trials, hearings, arbitrations, mediations on behalf of the Company to monitor when necessary.

Our must-haves:

• JD and barred in state with good standing.
• Minimum of 7 years law firm experience in insurance law or coverage field.
• Demonstrated development and delivery of coverage analysis and training.
• Demonstrated strong business and financial acumen and ability to utilize sound business judgment in providing actionable legal and strategic solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, outside counsel management, staff personnel management, employee recruitment, retention and training.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong working knowledge of the rules of evidence, civil procedure, and motions practice.
• Excellent writing, verbal and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Westlaw/LexisNexis and Excel.
• Maintain admission to the bar by participating in required continuing legal education.
• Team-oriented, with ability to excel in a collegial environment.

Hiscox Values:

• Courage: Do the right thing however hard.
• Quality: World class where it matters.
• Integrity: True to our word.
• Excellence in Execution: Consistent, timely, efficient delivery.
• Human: Firm, fair and inclusive.

What Hiscox USA Offers:

• 401(k) with competitive company matching.
• Comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental and FSA plans (medical, limited purpose, and dependent care).
• Company paid group term life, short- term disability and long-term disability coverage.
• 24 Paid time off days plus 2 Hiscox days, 10 paid holidays plus 1 paid floating holiday, and ability to purchase up to 5 PTO days.
• Paid parental leave.
• 4-week paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service.
• Financial Adoption Assistance and Medical Travel Reimbursement Programs.
• Annual reimbursement up to $600 for health club membership or fees associated with any fitness program.
• Company paid subscription to Headspace to support employees’ mental health and wellbeing.
• 2023 Gold level recipient of Cigna’s Healthy Workforce Designation for having a best-in-class health and wellness program.
• Dynamic, creative and values-driven culture.
• Modern and open office spaces, complimentary drinks.
• Spirit of volunteerism, social responsibility and community involvement, including matching charitable donations for qualifying non-profits via our sister non-profit company, the Hiscox USA Foundation.

About Hiscox:

As an international specialist insurer we are far removed from the world of mass market insurance products. Instead we are selective and focus on our key areas of expertise and strength - all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to challenge convention and always look for a better way of doing things.

We insure the unique and the interesting. And we search for the same when it comes to talented people. Hiscox is full of smart, reliable human beings that look out for customers and each other. We believe in doing the right thing, making good and rebuilding when things go wrong. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively, challenge the status quo and look for solutions.

Scratch beneath the surface and you will find a business that is solid, but slightly contrary. We like to do things differently and constantly seek to evolve. We might have been around for a long time (our roots go back to 1901), but we are young in many ways, ambitious and going places.

Some people might say insurance is dull, but life at Hiscox is anything but. If that sounds good to you, get in touch.

About Hiscox US:

Hiscox USA was established in 2006 to focus primarily on the needs of small and middle market commercial clients, via both the broker and direct distribution channels and is today the fastest-growing business unit within the Hiscox Group.

Today, Hiscox USA has a talent force of about 420 employees mostly operating out of - Manhattan, Atlanta, Chicago, Hartford, and Scottsdale. Hiscox USA offers a broad portfolio of commercial products, including technology, cyber & data risk, multiple professional liability lines, media, entertainment, management liability, crime, kidnap & ransom, commercial property and terrorism.

Please note that this position is hybrid and requires working in office two (2) days per week. Position can be based in the following locations:

• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL
• Hartford, CT
• Manhattan, NY
• Scottsdale, AZ

Salary range: $120k-$170k

You can follow Hiscox on LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Instagram (@HiscoxInsurance)

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Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture