Sr 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 alternative dispute resolution process from investigation, pleadings, motion practice and discovery through resolution or trial. Assists and mentors’ other attorneys on the team as needed. Oversees and manages a range of cases from routine or low exposure cases to complex or 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. 

• Independently manage caseload representing Citizens in all aspects of first party property insurance claim litigation and other dispute resolution processes. 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 as first or second chair attorney representing Citizens in trials or final hearings.
  • Engage in settlement negotiations in the direction of Claims Litigation.
  • Attend and argue post-trial motions including motions seeking attorney’s fees and costs.
• Coordination with Insurance Operations Counsel on Strategy:
  • Identify legal issues and challenges facing Citizens and collaborate with Insurance Operations Counsel and Claims Litigation to develop solutions.
• Function as the internal ‘litigation counsel’ responsible for implementation of approved strategies between Insurance Operations Counsel and Claims Litigation. Responsible for measuring and reporting on the effectiveness of implemented strategies.
• 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 as needed and directed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong knowledge of property insurance claims practices and property policy forms.
• Strong knowledge of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida Rules of Evidence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of laws governing and regulating insurers.
• Expert skills in legal analysis, critical thinking and problem solving; creativity in unique and challenging business and legal problems, strong legal and business judgment.
• Demonstrated advanced ability to assess risk, evaluate liability and damage exposures, propose, and implement litigation management strategies, as well as strong negotiation skills.
• Expert legal writing ability.
• Forward and creative thinking, with the confidence to present and advocate for the implementation of ideas.
• Able to work autonomously and as part of a team (legal and project), to lead, follow and collaborate.
• Keen sense of urgency, personal responsibility, and accountability; self-motivated, efficient, and effective.
• Ability to initiate, organize, prioritize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
• Ability to be both proactive and reactive – in a fast-past, highly-visible, and highly regulated legal entity.

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 

• 8 or more years in a law firm or corporate setting responsible for handling aspects of litigation and trials. First - chair trial experience is required.

*Additional education may count towards work experience*

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Litigation and trial experience in first-party property insurance claims.
• 5 years or more of litigation and trial experience in first-party property insurance claims.

SCOPE/COMPLEXITY OF WORK:

• What percentage of time is accountable for transactional, day-to-day operational support? 40%
• What percentage of time is accountable for short-term operational goals? 30%
• What percentage of time is accountable for long-term strategic planning? 30%

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequent: Move, Traverse, Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position, 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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