Manager, Staff Counsel - Brooklyn, NY

About the role

GEICO, founded in 1936, is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. The Manager, Staff Counsel manages all Staff Counsel office activities relating to the defense of lawsuits against GEICO insureds in liability suits, and on behalf of GEICO in subrogation, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM), and PIP suits or arbitrations, filed in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Manages subordinates in all activities relating to the defense of lawsuits against GEICO insureds in liability cases, and on behalf of GEICO in UM/UIM, PIP and Subrogation suits
• Interviews and/or approves job applicants for employment
• Conducts and/or reviews associate performance appraisals
• Initiates or approves salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes
• Counsels associates and takes disciplinary action or terminates employment as appropriate
• Represents GEICO insureds in liability cases, UM/UIM, and PIP suits filed in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction
• Researches laws and prepares legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda
• Renders opinions on liability, damages, and value as requested by the Claims Department
• Prepares and handles pleadings, motions, and discovery, to include depositions/examinations before trial and examinations under oath
• Defends all assigned matters by trial, arbitration, or mediation, as applicable
• Meets deadlines to respond to pleadings and correspondence; appears timely in court, arbitrations, depositions, meetings and other scheduled matters
• Trains and supervises less experienced attorneys, including assisting attorneys as first and second chair counsel, and/or observing attorneys at trials and arbitrations
• Monitors all applicable bar requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements
• Provides feedback on quality of file handling and expense management
• Reviews office reports and implements changes to improve office statistics, including timeliness of reports to clients, productivity reports, client and claims survey results, resolved ratio, and subrogation results
• Adheres to the GEICO Code of Conduct, company policies, and operating principles
• Meets attendance standard of the business location to perform necessary job functions and facilitate interaction with subordinates and management

Requirements

• Licensed in good standing to practice law in applicable jurisdictions, and meet and maintain licensing requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements where applicable
• Minimum of seven years of litigation experience, including insurance defense or personal injury
• Management experience preferred
• Demonstrated successful performance in handling primary trial responsibility for cases of significant severity and complexity
• Able to travel as required, including to attend trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings and conferences
• Able, with or without accommodation, to perform essential functions including thinking (concentrating, focusing, assimilating information), reading, writing, listening, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, lifting, and standing for extended periods
• Able to use a keyboard and mouse
• Able to access and utilize multiple pieces of office equipment that may require simultaneous use
• Able to communicate in a professional manner in person, via telephone and written correspondence/email
• Able to document files in a clear, concise, professional written manner, to be understood by customers, clients, co-workers and other employees
• Able to follow complex instructions, resolve conflicts or facilitate conflict resolution, and have strong organization/priority setting and multi-tasking skills
• Able to learn and apply large amounts of technical and procedural information

Pay

Annual salary range: $151,700.00 – $235,750.00. The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate's work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations. At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Benefits

• Great Company: Protecting customers through life's twists and turns with innovation and integrity
• Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance
• Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success
• Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well-being and future