Staff Attorney - Construction Defect, California

Responsible for providing high quality and cost-effective legal defense for insureds involved in construction defect claims. Demonstrates superior knowledge and expertise in the litigation process, is well versed in construction defect litigation and provides excellent client service as part of a legal team. Responsible for independent, strategic, pro-active case handling with a resolution management focus. Office in Roseville, CA or can work remotely.

Responsibilities:

• Actively participate and collaborate in a litigation team comprised of attorneys, paralegal/s, and administrative staff to ensure proper handling, legal strategy, and coverage of matters.
• Independently conduct trials, depositions, pre-trial discovery, mediations, arbitrations or any other legal activity required to resolve cases. in an efficient and effective manner.
• Provide timely and accurate review, discussion, and recommendations regarding issues of liability and damage, including settlement values, defensive tactics and strategies with claims professionals and legal team colleagues.
• Work directly with insureds, claimants, counsel mediators and courts in negotiating settlements.
• Provide regular written status reports to claims professionals to keep them advised.
• Work with clients, claims professionals, underwriting, risk control and other third parties to resolve legal issues presented.
• Keep apprised of changes in law and court procedures.
• Assist in the training and development of legal colleagues and claims professionals regarding the handling of matters, legal strategy, and applicable law, including changes in the law.
• Assist in continuous improvement of staff counsel operations and efficiency.
• Comply with ethical and continuing legal education requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in California is required.
• Active license to practice law in other states is a plus.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience practices law that includes substantial experience in defending construction defect claims.
• Trial experience is required.
• Prior in-house Property & Casualty Insurance experience preferred.
• Experience in paperless file environment and Westlaw research preferred.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Superior legal acumen.

• Able to effectively influence others through master negotiation techniques.
• Demonstrate superior use of trial skills and techniques.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning skills.
• Strong and persuasive legal writing skills and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), legal document management software, Westlaw/Lexis.
• Ability and desire to collaborate with trial attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
• Ability and desire to communicate with UFG about improving processes for the representation of insureds.
• Decision making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
• Ability to initiate, organize and coordinate complex projects and cases.
• Sense of urgency and responsiveness.
• Appreciation for and commitment to delivery of high-quality legal work
• Personal integrity and adherence to a high degree of professionalism and ethical competency

• Willingness to travel at 50%+ frequency.

Working Conditions:

• General office environment
• Travel at 50%+

Pay Transparency Statement

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $103,221.75 - $136,105.25 annually,  which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.

In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.

Pay Transparency Laws

The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $98,061 – 172,379 USD. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location

Salary

• $98,061 - $172,379