Assistant General Counsel Claims Manager

Job Title:       Assistant General Counsel and Claims Manager

Office:          General Counsel

General Summary

Assists the General Counsel in the provision of legal services to the agency, including but not limited to:  contract drafting and administration; participation in all phases of litigation as assigned by the General Counsel; appearances before administrative tribunals; representation in arbitrations, facilitations and other proceedings; and statutory and legislative research and analysis. Manages the Authority’s Workers Compensation, vehicle liability and insurance programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drafts, reviews, and administers contracts with communities, procurement of goods, services, and property and provides legal advice regarding procurement to the General Counsel, department heads and staff.
• Initiates and defends civil claims involving the Authority and its employees as an attorney before state courts, federal courts, local government agencies, including EEOC, MDCR, and other administrative agencies.
• Oversees legal research and analysis and provides opinions on state and Federal statutes, legislation, and administrative rules that govern the Authority.
• Manages the Authority’s self-insurance programs, including Vehicle Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Employee Personal Injury Protection.
• Manages claims and litigated matters regarding workers’ compensation and vehicle liability, including third-party administrators and outside counsel for those claims.
• Represents the Authority at trial, settlement conferences, facilitations, arbitrations and administrative hearings.
• Reviews and approves invoices and payments for legal expenses and vehicle liability from claim adjusters and third-party administrators.
• Administers Light-Duty Program involving the placement of workers’ compensation recipients into light duty assignments throughout the Authority.
• Directs and attends claim review and settlement meetings for workers’ compensation and vehicle liability cases. Prepares to discuss individual claim disposition and strategy.
• Responds to subpoena requests as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited law school and license to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• Minimum ten (10) years of litigation experience or other experience as a licensed attorney, including claims.
• Ability to communicate in writing and orally in a clear, logical and comprehensible manner.
• Experience in government agency law and knowledge of applicable state and federal laws.
• Superior research and analysis skills.
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS-Excel and Westlaw applications.

THE AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE OR CHANGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.