AVP, Claims & Regulatory Counsel

About the role

IAT Insurance Group is seeking an AVP, Claims & Regulatory Counsel to join the Claims Legal Department. The role can be located in Naperville, Illinois; Alpharetta, Georgia, or Raleigh, North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Dedicated legal advisor and leader managing a team of in-house attorneys tasked with overseeing litigation against the Company, providing legal guidance, coverage opinions, and strategic recommendations to first- and third-party Claims and Underwriting business units, including Homeowners, Commercial Property, Commercial Transportation, General Liability, Excess and Surplus Lines, Aviation, and Management Liability.
• Manage a team of attorneys tasked with overseeing litigation that has significant financial exposure under our commercial and homeowner’s property policies, commercial transportation policies, and general liability policies.
• Respond to Legal and Regulatory Matters for Property and Casualty Claims.
• Provide legal advice and regulatory opinions to be used by Claims, Underwriting, and other internal business partners.
• Advise Claims and Underwriting of statutory and legal developments and emerging trends impacting the insurance industry regulations and Department of Insurance mandates.
• Oversee a team of in-house attorneys and outside counsel to develop litigation strategies in defense of the Company and drive favorable outcomes in nationwide extra-contractual lawsuits.
• Collaborate with other members of the Legal Department, internal business leaders, and insurance professionals to tackle complex legal and coverage questions. Develop creative and effective legal strategies that support business goals and initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of coverage, litigation and compliance activities and findings.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management.
• Assist Claims and other business units in their handling of claims and litigation in compliance with Claims Best Practices to ensure claim handling discipline and superior Quality Review and Audit scores, including timely coverage reviews and coverage correspondence.
• Perform other legal and litigation duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
• At least 10 years of relevant legal experience focused on Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation.
• Extensive experience serving as lead counsel defending insurers, managing litigation dockets, and advising on complex claim disputes and coverage issues with sole or primary responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Experience handling coverage disputes involving first-party property and/or third-party liability claims with an exposure of $500,000 or more including both primary and excess losses.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the insurance industry.
• Experience working in-house with an insurance company a plus.
• Must have State Bar License that is in good standing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Able to set priorities and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to travel if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in compliance software and tools, including tools used for ISO reporting and Medicare reporting preferred.