This position is responsible for ensuring prompt, fair, and efficient claims service by managing litigation files to a successful completion.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY

Take assignment of all pending and newly filed litigation in assigned territory.

Review litigation and investigation files to decide if the case should be settled or defended and make ongoing decisions regarding discovery and arbitration.

Summarize claims history of litigated claims and assign to approved outside defense counsel.

Evaluate all cases thoroughly, including obtaining extensions of answer dates, when practical, in order to continue negotiations or to complete investigation.

Initiate negotiations on litigation filed, when possible, and conclude claims within the guidelines and constraints of the insurance policy and company procedures.

Ensure that the processing of all litigation files adhere to Claims and Legal & Compliance department standards and Texas Department of Insurance requirements.

Attend depositions, hearings, mediations, settlement conferences and trials on assigned files as needed.

Follow and control expenses involved in litigation files.

Manage assignments of litigation to and communications with defense counsel.

Manage defense counsel compliance with the Companies’ Litigation Guidelines.

Set and manage reserves and reinsurance reporting on litigation files.

Assist in policy coverage review with the Claims Department and on litigation files. Engage and work with outside coverage counsel when needed. Articulate the companies’ position on coverage with written coverage opinions and denial letters when appropriate.

Recognize and refer potential fraud activity to SIU.

Provide legal support to SIU as requested.

Assist SIU with the investigation of potential fraud claims as requested.

Provide continuing education and training to SIU, Claims personnel, and others directed by the Vice President of Legal & Compliance.

Maintain good relationships and communication with state and federal law enforcement agencies and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Assist in training District Claims Managers and Claims Representatives in litigation management practices.

Assist in selecting, monitoring, auditing, and managing relationships with defense counsel and other outside vendors related to litigation.

Provide advice and assist with subrogation matters, as assigned.

Assist Vice President of Legal & Compliance with long and short-range goals, as they apply to litigation management.

Track and report metrics for litigation performance, as requested by the Vice President of Legal & Compliance.

Assist Claims personnel in the resolution of complex or difficult claims.

Maintain strong knowledge base for all matters that fall under scope of the position.

Comply with the Certified Fleet Operator requirements of the Company Driving and Safety Policy.

Properly care for and maintain company equipment including car, cell phone, computer, etc.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Law Degree from accredited law school.

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.

Experience in Personal injury, insurance defense litigation or other relevant legal experience.

Effective analytical and organizational skills.

Effective knowledge of basic computer applications, especially Microsoft Office Suite.

Effective interpersonal, both face-to-face and over the phone, and presentation verbal skills.

Valid Texas driver’s license and driving record at the time of hire which would not place the employee on probation or disqualify the employee from Certified Fleet Operator Status under the company Driving and Safety Policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Repeated use of PC, telephone, and office machines.

Extended periods of sitting and concentrating.

Occasional bending, twisting, crouching, pulling, pushing and reaching in an office or field environment.

Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 30 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional long, irregular work hours.

Extensive amounts of travel, including overnight travel.

Work to be conducted in office environment owned or leased by company.

REVISED July 2023