Senior Litigation Attorney (Remote)

JOB PURPOSE 

This position will provide efficient and skilled legal representation to MEM and/or

its policyholders in workers' compensation litigation through settlement, trial, or

appeal, and to issue advisory opinions on legal issues, including issues of policy

inception and coverage as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage high exposure disputes and litigation, including trials and appeals to

Labor & Industrial Relations Commission and Courts of Appeals.

Provide legal advice on complex matters including but not limited to; conflicts,

discovery, lost time, medical treatment, permanent partial disability, vocational

issues, occupational diseases, firefighter cancer, fatal cases, mesothelioma,

permanent total disability, and other complex or serious cases.

Appear in all state courts as designated and before all Workers Compensation

Division administrative law judges in all pre-trial, trial, and post-trial proceedings,

including appeals. Act as lead counsel at trials and hearings of workers

compensation cases throughout the assigned state. Communicate with the

court, witnesses, opposing counsel and co-counsel with professional diplomacy

and discretion.

Independently conduct depositions and other discovery of lay, medical and

expert witnesses, approved by claims representatives. Prepare complex

pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions and briefs in support of

defense strategies with autonomy.

Independently create and present legal defense strategies. When applicable,

prepare and present witnesses and evidence at trials, judicial/administrative

hearings, arbitrations and alternative dispute resolutions. Conduct depositions

and other discovery of lay, medical and expert witnesses, approved by claims

representatives.

Prepare complex pleadings, written discovery, depositions, motions and briefs in

support of defense strategies with autonomy.

Negotiate settlement of workers compensation claims pursuant to authority

granted by claims representatives on an as needed basis.

Conduct legal research and prepare written opinions as well as give informal

advice to claims representatives, claims management and other departments.

Contribute to the management of partnering relationships with internal clients,

particularly the claims team, building effective working relationships and providing high-quality professional services to support in delivering business strategy and plans.

May assist in the review of outside attorney work-product and billings and

evaluate litigation outcomes. Includes assisting in the audit of claims files for

compliance by claims representatives with litigation guidelines and adherence to

basic legal principles in the adjustment of claims.

Identifies and recommends industry best practices. May be involved with the

potential implementation of any new practices or techniques.

EDUCATION 

Juris Doctor Degree-licensed in Missouri required; Additional Illinois license a plus

EXPERIENCE 

A minimum of eight years of experience in the practice of law managing

complex legal issues with solid emphasis in insurance law and/or workers'

compensation law.

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Our medical plan includes robust offerings such as fertility benefits and fully paid preventative care.
  • Our dental coverage also includes adult orthodontia, and other less commonly covered dental treatments.
• Fully Employer-Paid Life and Disability Benefits
  • Life Insurance - three times base salary
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Short and Long-term Disability
• Employee Wellness and Recognition Program with employer-paid incentives for employees and their spouses
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care options
• Health Savings Account with generous employer contribution
• Time Away from Work
  • Generous PTO accruals
  • 11 Holidays and 4 Early releases
  • 16 Hours of Volunteer Time Off
  • 20 days of paid parental leave (in addition to STD)
  • Marriage, Bereavement, and Jury Duty leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan including employer match and profit sharing
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Assistance

Our home office is located in vibrant Columbia, Missouri — #6 in Livability’s 2019 Best Places to Live.