Senior Litigation Attorney - Tort

About the role

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

Responsibilities

• Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines: Handles highly complex or specialized insurance defense or coverage matters from pleadings through trial, driving superior results.
• Manages all phases of litigation preparation and develops case strategy.
• Prepares and/or directs the preparation of all necessary litigation materials, including briefs, motions, discovery, depositions, expert coordination, and trial exhibits.
• Advises on whether cases should be tried or settled and actively drives matters to resolution with an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Handles high-complexity or high-exposure bench and jury trials as first chair in both state and federal courts, as necessary.
• Manages all aspects of litigation, including court appearances, trial preparation, motions, discovery, negotiations, and settlement discussions.
• Provides trial coaching, oversight, and assistance to other attorneys, as needed.
• Communicates regularly and concisely with clients, claim professionals, leadership, and other stakeholders to ensure effective case management and documentation.
• Conducts legal research and analyzes facts and information to provide counsel and guidance on legal questions and issues.
• Prepares legal opinions, position papers, and interpretations of legal issues and provisions.
• Counsels clients, management, and claim professionals to avoid legally unsound decisions and advises on changes in applicable laws and regulations.
• May supervise, train, or mentor attorneys and paralegals.
• Trains department staff on relevant legal and claims-related procedures.
• Collaborates with clients, claim professionals, underwriting, risk control, and other third parties to resolve legal matters.
• Works independently to resolve legal cases with minimal supervision.
• Responds to government and regulatory agencies as needed.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Senior-level knowledge of legal theories, principles, practices, and litigation management procedures within an insurance organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve desired outcomes.
• Excellent verbal, written, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong consultative, negotiation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external business partners.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage ambiguous situations and complex issues.
• Proven ability to take a proactive, long-term view of business goals and objectives to achieve strategic results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software, including Adobe, Westlaw, Filevine, and other case management systems.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to providing superior solutions to internal and external clients.
• Acts with a sense of urgency to advance client and organizational priorities.
• Helps self and others excel through collaboration and relationship building.
• Thinks creatively and leverages diverse perspectives to solve problems.
• Continuously develops industry knowledge and technical expertise while encouraging others to do the same.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Admission to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey state bars required.
• Typically requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in a law firm and/or insurance claims environment.
• Trial and litigation experience is required, with a demonstrated track record of successful outcomes.
• Tort litigation experience required.