Senior Trial Attorney

It’s a great time to join AAA The Auto Club Group! 

JOIN THE TEAM COMMITTED TO DRIVING YOUR CAREER FORWARD

Job Type:

Job Description:

Responsible for litigation of Circuit and Federal cases of unlimited exposure where there is a multiplicity of complicated legal and factual issues involving the more serious injuries, excess damages, and high exposure litigation of identified legal issues which the Company may pursue through the appeal process. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (details of the basic job functions):

Case Management and Preparation:

• Analyzes, files, reviews all allegations, and renders legal opinions to Claims personnel regarding evaluation and disposition of injury cases.

• Prepares responses to civil complaints, files and answers any appropriate motions when questions of law or liability are in dispute. 

• Determines feasibility of, including third-party, defendants in pending suits.

• Conducts discovery, including but not limited to depositions, interrogatories, requests for admission, etc. 

• Reviews insurance policy and all pertinent documents. 

• Selects legal investigators and arranges for service of subpoenas and summonses. 

• Files additional motions as facts of case and proper timing warrant. 

• Reviews medical and related technical data; consults with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities.

• Analyzes information obtained through discovery and determines whether settlement is in best interests of insureds and the Company.

• Prepares uninsured/underinsured motorist cases for trial or arbitration hearings. 

• Prepares and submits pre-trial statements; attends pre-trial hearings before judge and conducts jury selection. 

• Responsible for handling cases involving bad faith, exemplary damages, and coverage issues that may expose the Company. 

• Acts as co-counsel in high exposure litigation throughout the state.

• Handles catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state. 

Trial and Defense

• Prepares case for trial, examining facts and developing trial strategy for construction of a strong defense. 

• Conducts defense of a case by delivering opening statements, examining and cross-examining witnesses, making and arguing motions, conferring with judges and attorneys, delivering closing arguments.

• Prepares trial briefs, encompassing the insured’s defense, applicable law, and jury instructions. 

• Prepares summaries and appears before Case Evaluation Tribunal and/or Facilitator to advocate defendant’s case.

• Evaluates award and makes recommendation as to whether to accept or proceed to trial.

• Exercises discretion in discovery and motion practice, uses judgment in trial proceedings without substantial supervision. 

• Acts as lead counsel for trials involving catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state.

  Client Communications and Negotiations:

• Keeps client advised of status of case in accordance with office guidelines and client satisfaction goals and consults with third-party clients regarding the litigation.

• Advises insured and recommends retention of independent counsel for potential “over-limits” judgment to protect insured’s assets. 

• Negotiates reasonable and equitable pre-trial settlements on behalf of Company and insured, when and where possible. 

• Applies cost/benefit considerations to all litigation activity. 

• Advises payment of claims as appropriate. 

• Coordinates trial or settlement activity with co-counsel, as necessary, to protect interest of insured.

• Recommends appeals to the Appeals Committee based on facts of case and recovery chances.

Legal Advice and Guidance:

• Renders legal advice and legal opinions as requested by Claims personnel on coverage, liability and damages.

• Conducts Examinations Under Oath in consultation with Practice Leader.

• Participates in the Claims Legal Counsel Program on a regular basis.

• Participates in one or more office committees, either as a standing or rotating member.

• Mentors less experienced attorneys on legal matters within areas of his/her expertise.

• Leads special litigation projects.

• Provides guidance to staff attorneys in the absence of the Supervising Practice Leader. 

How you will benefit:

• Our Senior Trial Attorney will earn a competitive annual salary of $132,000 to $160,000 with annual bonus potential, based on performance.

• Excellent and comprehensive benefits packages are just another reason to work for the Auto Club Group. Benefits include:

  • 401k Match

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

  • Paid Holidays

  • Tuition Reimbursement

Required Qualifications (these are the minimum requirements to qualify)

Education (include minimum education and any licensing/certifications):

• Juris Doctor Degree or graduate of accredited law school

• Member of the State Bar of applicable state

Experience:

• Minimum eight (8) years’ experience in personal injury, no-fault, or insurance litigation;

                                             AND

• Eight (8) trials in personal injury, no-fault, or insurance litigation, with six (6) of those being first-chair jury trials.

Knowledge of:

• Civil law, judicial procedures and rules of evidence

• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research

• Discovery methods and techniques

• Mediation rules, procedures and summaries

• General Claims procedures

• Tort liability law, including applicable theories of recovery and appropriate defenses

• Insurance law, including familiarity with Uniform Trade Practices Law and Principles of Bad Faith Actions

• Principles of insurance contract construction and interpretation

• Policies for all lines of coverage

• Michigan Court Rules and motion practice

• Rules of evidence of proper techniques for introducing or excluding evidence

• Standard Jury Instructions and drafting nonstandard jury instructions where appropriate

• Problems in Professional Ethics relating to relationship of house counsel to insured

• Office standards and procedures

• Legal research and availability of research tools

Skills and Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other attorneys, court officers, the general public and others in a work environment

• Analyze, organize, and present facts, evidence, and related materials effectively in both written and oral forms

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Member of the State Bar of Michigan

Knowledge of and Demonstrates:

• Defense trial practice demonstrated through in-depth research projects, self-education, seminar presentations, membership in related professional organizations or other activities.

• Company operations and quality of service, demonstrated by participation in Staff Counsel to enhance operations and services.

• Very favorable performance on Attorney Productivity/”Scorecard” metrics

• Knowledge of catastrophic loss litigation

• Michigan No-Fault Act and significant case law

Work Environment

Reporting to the Detroit office 2 days a week and working from home 3 days a week. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy

Important Note:

The above statements describe the principle and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job.  This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements.   Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfil these requirements.

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Who We Are

Become a part of something bigger.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.

By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life’s journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.

And when you join our team, one of the first things you’ll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.

We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.

To learn more about AAA The Auto Club Group visit www.aaa.com