Claims Litigation Counsel - In House Litigation (Onsite - Jacksonville/Tallahassee)

POSITION SUMMARY: Represents Citizens in claims-related cases and manages all phases of the litigation or other dispute resolution process under the supervision or guidance of the Managing Attorney or Senior Litigation Counsel. Conducts legal research, drafts pleadings, motions and memoranda of law and otherwise supports counsel in handling claims litigation. Will be involved in a range of cases from routine to or low exposure cases to complex and high exposure cases. In-House Litigation Unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: THE FOLLOWING ARE THE USUAL, BASIC AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION. THESE FUNCTIONS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED. 

• Handles a caseload representing Citizens in first-party property litigation or other alternative dispute resolution processes under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or Senior Claims Litigation Counsel and otherwise assists them in the handling of such matters. Duties and functions will include:
  • Review and analysis of evidence.
  • Review, analyze and draft pleadings and motions.
  • Manage all deadlines and advise Claims Litigation of such deadlines.
  • Prepare all required and appropriate reports and evaluations for Claims Litigation.
  • Communicate with in house Insurance Operations Counsel and Claims Litigation in coordinating strategies.
  • Review, analyze and respond to discovery requests and prepare discovery requests.
  • Prepare witnesses for depositions and attend and conduct witness depositions.
  • Legal research and preparation of legal memoranda.
  • Attend mediations.
  • Attend and argue motions and make other court appearances as required.
  • Prepare for trial or final hearing in dispute resolution forums other.
  • Act second chair attorney representing Citizens in trials or final hearings and may act as first chair attorney in low complexity and low exposure cases
  • Engage in settlement negotiations at the direction of Claims Litigation.
  • Attend and argue post-trial motions including motions seeking attorney’s fees and costs.
  • Non-Litigation Legal Support Work.
  • Conduct legal research. Provide legal analysis and coverage opinions.
  • Conduct examinations under oath, recorded statements and witness interviews.Assist Managing Attorney and Senior Claims Litigation Counsel as directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Basic knowledge of Florida laws governing and regulating civil legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Florida Rules of Evidence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of laws governing and regulating insurers.
• Skills in legal analysis, critical thinking, legal counseling, and problem solving; good legal and business judgment.
• Ability to initiate, organize, prioritize, and coordinate basic and simple cases.
• Strong sense of urgency, personal responsibility, and accountability; self-motivated, efficient, and effective.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of team (legal and project), to lead, follow, and collaborate.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think forward and creatively, with the confidence to present and advocate for the implementation of ideas.
• Ability to effectively interact with internal and external business partners, attorneys, claimants, and policyholders.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High School Diploma | GED
• Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years relevant experience, OR a combination of college education and relevant experience equivalent to 3 years.
• JD. degree and admission to Florida Bar 

AND 

• 5 or more years of relevant experience in a law firm or corporate setting handling litigation work.

*Additional education may count towards work experience*

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Knowledge of property and liability claims practices and property policy forms.
• Previous homeowners and commercial property insurance experience, and property claims practices.
• 3 or more years of litigation experience.
• Experience handling trials.
• Excellent academic credentials.

SCOPE/COMPLEXITY OF WORK:

• What percentage of time is accountable for transactional, day-to-day operational support? 100%

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequent: Move, Traverse, Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position, Position self (to), Move, Travel

Continuous: Stationary position, Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess

Citizens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Relocation Assistance is available for this position 

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