Sr. Trial Attorney

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. Preferred candidates will bring substantial litigation and trial experience handling a diverse personal injury caseload, including auto accident and premises liability matters. Enjoy a supportive work environment with no billable hour expectations and the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

About the Role

Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support the mission of a Fortune 100 insurance company to protect people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care? If you possess the academic credentials, strong analytical skills, and legal acumen needed for successful litigation work, our team may be the place for you!

Nationwide Trial Division is a national team with approximately 40 offices through six regions across the United States. Our Senior Trial Attorneys are seasoned litigation attorneys with significant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. As a Senior Trial Attorney, you’ll represent clients under both commercial and personal lines insurance policies independently as lead counsel, as well as be part of a larger team as needed. Caseloads typically include a mix of cases varying in complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations, throughout all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction(s).

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the requisite trial advocacy skills independently as lead counsel, or as part of a team, with efficiency, proactive case management, work ethic, and work product quality to accurately and effectively handle all matters in accordance with Nationwide Trial Division (NTD) standard methodology guidelines, as well as claims and client expectations.
• Requires minimal managerial oversight and guidance from the Managing Trial Attorney and NTD Leadership in all aspects of core duties and job responsibilities.
• Adept at effectively utilizing technology and collaboratively working with support staff to ensure efficient case management and efficiency.
• Demonstrates consistent awareness of changes to the law, technology, local rules, and other procedural requirements, or other aspects of the legal and insurance industries likely to impact liability and recovery litigation strategies in the jurisdictions in which you practice.
• Possesses and consistently performs with the subject matter expertise and trial advocacy skills required and specified for all NTD concentrations held. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to develop and learn additional or new NTD concentrations as may be required based on NTD business needs and as specified by NTD Leadership.
• Provides factually, legally, and analytically sound opinions consistently on case valuations that are promptly updated and timely communicated to the client and claims.
• Independently establishes and maintains strong professional relationships with key associates within the Office of the Chief Legal Officer and claims partners at the senior director level and below, as well as with colleagues within the legal and insurance industries within those jurisdictions and communities in which you practice.
• Utilizes relationships to build and improve NTD’s reputation and expand case referral opportunities within the enterprise.
• Communicates in a highly effective manner, consistently and proactively identifying, understanding, and meeting client, claims, and internal NTD communication expectations (both written and verbal), as well as those commonly expected within the jurisdictions and communities in which you practice.
• Serves as a mentor for junior attorneys and NTD staff, providing guidance and training, as well as serving as a role model in terms of engagement, coaching and feedback, efficiency, attitude, and collaboration.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Maintains an active license in the state in which the position is located.
• More than eight years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
• Significant litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.
• Engages in complex legal practices and procedures throughout all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.
• Highly effective and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly collaborative, capable of working with staff and other attorneys on-site and remotely, as well as serving as a role model and mentor to other associates within the office.
• Significant negotiation skills.
• Ability to process information efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent analytical and legal skills.
• Resourceful, creative problem solver.
• Computer savvy with a solid understanding of basic software and use of same.
• Capable of adapting to changes in the law and changes to technology in the law and court systems (e.g., electronic filings).
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Decision-making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
• Ability to initiate, prioritize, and coordinate complex projects and cases.
• Leadership skills used in direct and/or indirect influencing such as motivating, problem-solving, business strengthening, and development with colleagues, clients, and claims partners.
• Stays in sync with the private practice of law policy and the ethical rules of the state where the position is located.
• Must also acknowledge and follow all corporate and NTD policies and procedures.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year (pro-rated quarterly based on hire date).
• Nine paid holidays.
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off.
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid pension plan.
• Business casual attire.

Pay

The national salary range for Sr Trial Attorney: $138,000.00 - $243,000.00.

The expected starting salary range for Sr Trial Attorney: $138,000.00 - $206,000.00.

Schedule

• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Frequent travel, occasional overnight travel.
• Extended hours are often necessary to meet the demands of the profession.
• Generally, a normal office environment, but depending on the needs of the office, the position may be staffed working from home.