Senior Counsel - Bond & Specialty Insurance (Surety)

Who Are We?

Take care of our customers, our communities, and each other. At Travelers, we've been doing this for over 170 years. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation.

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range for this position varies based on factors such as the scope of the role, location, and qualifications. Employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards as part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program.

• Salary Range: $146,400.00 – $241,600.00
• Target Openings: 1

What Is the Opportunity?

The Senior Counsel role provides cost-effective, high-quality legal services to Travelers. This includes handling complex legal matters within Bond & Specialty Insurance, particularly in Surety and Construction law.

What Will You Do?

• Provides counsel to senior management on complex legal issues.
• Negotiates with clients or management and influences leaders regarding significant legal matters.
• Researches legal principles and precedents relevant to the role.
• Identifies and communicates risks to internal and external customers, offering mitigation strategies.
• Drafts and negotiates legal documents.
• Maintains awareness of external judicial climates and legal developments.
• Maintains strong client relationships internally and externally.
• Mentors and coaches less senior attorneys and paralegals/staff.
• Manages annual legal fees budgets and reviews invoices from outside counsel.
• Uses technology and automation effectively in legal practice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What Will Our Ideal Candidate Have?

• Ten years of prior legal experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience representing or advising surety companies on construction and commercial bond claims.
• Experience assisting on case strategy and litigation management on complex litigation matters.
• Familiarity with surety-specific defenses, including principal default analysis, indemnity agreement enforcement, and obligee demand response.
• Litigation experience in surety bond disputes, including federal and state court matters involving contract completion, takeover agreements, and bond penal sum exposure.
• Experience advising on bond form language, endorsements, and coverage positions in response to claims or demands.
• Hands-on experience with discovery management, including drafting and responding to written discovery, document review, and privilege analysis in complex commercial litigation.
• Experience preparing witnesses for deposition and/or trial, including corporate representative preparation.
• Track record of effective outside counsel oversight, including matter budgeting, litigation strategy alignment, and invoice review.

What is a Must Have?

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent International legal degree; graduate of an accredited law school.
• Seven years of prior legal experience as a practicing attorney.
• Active license in good standing to practice law in the state(s) in which representation is required.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance: Coverage available from the first day of employment.
• Retail Retirement: Travelers matches your 401(k) contributions up to 5% of eligible pay, subject to an annual maximum. The Paying it Forward Savings Program offers additional contributions for student loan repayment.
• Paid Time Off: A minimum of 20 days annually, plus nine paid company holidays.
• Wellness Program: Tools, discounts, and resources to support your wellness and caregiving needs.
• Volunteer Encouragement: Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program to support your charitable giving.

Employment Practices

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates seeking employment in Colorado are not required to disclose dates of attendance at or graduation from educational institutions.

Careers at Travelers

Join us at Travelers to make a difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and each other. Explore our comprehensive benefits and opportunities to grow your career.