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Defense Counsel
SFM – The Work Comp Experts
Work somewhere you love
SFM is unique in that we are small enough that your voice is heard but has all the benefits and perks of a larger employer. We value your opinion, help you reach your goals, and make it easy for you to maintain work-life balance. SFM is committed to creating the best work environment and believes that our exceptional and motivated employees are our greatest strength. SFM emphasizes work life balance, and our benefit package is designed to assist you navigate your work-life journey.
Our benefits include:
- Affordable Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, HSA, FSA
- Flexible hybrid work environment
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with company match
- Company contributions to help pay off student loans
- Monthly home internet allowance
- Free life insurance, STD & LTD
- Opportunities for annual gainshare bonus
- Pet insurance
- Generous PTO
- 9 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Annual company-wide volunteer day
- Discounts on gym memberships, fitness apps and weight loss programs
- Adoption financial assistance
Visit our careers page to learn more about working at SFM.
About SFM
Since 1983, our mission has been to be the workers’ compensation partner of choice for agents, employers and their workers. SFM seeks to inspire safer workplaces by protecting workers from harm and helping the injured recover. We have expanded to well over 25,000 customers in the Midwest and grown our offerings to include vocational rehabilitation, loss prevention, medical services and more. Though much has changed through the years, our focus continues to be unrivaled customer service, safety, and providing better outcomes for employers and injured workers.
The role
Working as Defense Counsel at SFM, you are tasked with delivering excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. Key functions include participating as an active team member in the legal department acting as a subject matter expert providing legal advice and direction concerning the management of litigation for the defense of workers' compensation claims. You will create defense strategies to protect the legal interests of the Company and its policyholders. SFM’s mission is to be the best in the business, and you will be part of that mission working to promote and facilitate pre-litigation resolutions efficiently, reasonably, and fairly while navigating the legal and medical case management process. When working with internal customers such as claims management/representatives and nurse case managers, you will strive to deliver excellent customer service keeping in step with the company’s’ overall mission. Experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply, and appropriate level and/or salary considerations will be given based on years of experience. Apply today and find out why SFM is a rewarding place to work and affords you the balance you are seeking in to grow your legal career. Hybrid work is offered and applicants must live in MN.
What you will be doing
Legal Counsel
- Provides legal defense on behalf of the Company and its policyholders in the administration and litigation of workers' compensation claims.
- Adheres to standards for Company best practices and agreements made under the partnership agreement with the Strategic Business Units and other teams.
- Monitors developing case and statutory law, drafts legal advisories and advises policyholders and the Company on topics related to workers’ compensation defense, employment law and other related claims.
- Presents or participates in seminars for the Company and its policyholders.
- Promotes and facilitates pre-litigation resolution and efficient administration of claims through regular counseling with other teams and through the Strategic Business Unit rotation and medical/legal conferences.
Operations Focus
- Applies legal department policies, best practices and procedures.
- Regularly interacts with legal team, management, claims representatives, policyholders, rehabilitation consultants, petitioner attorneys, and injured workers to achieve individual and team goals. Maintains appropriate interactions with persons both within the organization and externally.
- Identifies and communicates trending and legal management practices that could impact the Company and team’s results.
- Demonstrates an understanding and willingness to learn the various basic fundamentals of insurance finance.
What We will Love About you
- Law degree and licensed to practice law in Minnesota, and additional states as applicable.
- Two or more years civil or workers' compensation litigation experience. Knowledge of Minnesota workers' compensation statutes and rules and employment law.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Solid organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and work with minimal direction and strong attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Proficient in MS Office software applications (Excel, Word, etc.).
- Strong prioritization, organization and time management skills.
- Demonstrates positive teaming skills focused on team results.
- Excellent analytical research and documentation writing skills.
- Inspires innovation and continuous quality improvement.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and reliable transportation.
- Able to work a variable work schedule when needed and stay overnight.
Physical Requirements
Regular attendance is required. Work takes place in a semi paperless environment within an office setting, either on business premises or other remote location, using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers, which requires being stationary for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and work with close vision. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Work is performed indoors with little to no exposure to extreme outdoor weather conditions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The base pay posted is just one component of SFM’s total compensation package. The salary range listed represents the full compensation range for this position. Job title and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience, and education, if applicable as well as internal equity with other employees in the same job classification.
Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are urged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications.
Join us!!
SFM Mutual Insurance Company and each of its parent companies, subsidiaries and/or affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital, familial, or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected classification.
SFM Companies, EEO/AA Employers. SFM is a participant of E-Verify. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
