Claims Coverage Counsel/Claims Coverage Administrator

About the role

Merchants Insurance Group, a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast, is seeking an experienced Claims Coverage Counsel or Claims Coverage Administrator for our Corporate Claim Legal Team located in Buffalo, NY. We are looking for individuals with previous experience in insurance coverage analysis/determination/disposition for at least five years. While a law degree is preferred, we are also considering individuals without a law degree that have deep technical experience in significant and complex coverage scenarios to include New York construction/labor law and other commercial claims.

Responsibilities

• Prepares coverage communication consistent with internal quality standards and applicable state regulations.
• Works collaboratively with front-line claims professionals and managers to provide coverage analysis and preparation or review of coverage position letters for claims involving complex coverage issues or disputes.
• Provides legal or coverage guidance to claim professionals handling declaratory judgment actions in which Merchants is a named party.
• Directs outside counsel on litigation strategy.
• Leads claim staff in training involving legal or coverage matters.
• Provides claim legal support to underwriting and product development teams. Also assists in regulatory compliance programs by providing supplementary research regarding statutes and regulations impacting our business.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree preferred, with license in good standing
• Minimum 5 years of insurance coverage experience and/or practicing attorney experience
• Proficiency with Westlaw or other legal research applications
• CPCU highly desirable
• Minimum 10 years of technical experience in complex coverage analysis
• Prior leadership experience is highly desired
• High degree of competency in insurance coverage analysis, policy construction, and legal research with exemplary writing skills
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training with demonstrated excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Advanced written and oral communication skills with influence, initiative, and ability to communicate effectively across all levels across an insurance organization to include cross-departmental relationships
• Experience with construction and labor law litigation coverage issues related to risk transfer
• Proven demonstration of creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and work in a cooperative manner

Pay

$100,000 - $145,000 based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely or in office the remaining days.

Benefits

• Welcoming and positive work environment
• Colleague Appreciation Events
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours
• Hybrid work schedule (2 full days per week in office, remaining days at home or in office)
• Competitive pay scale
• Generous paid time off package
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match of 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions (immediate 100% vesting)
• Outstanding company bonus program
• Tuition Reimbursement