Claim Counsel, Surety

Claim Counsel, Surety – Travelers Careers

• CLAIM HANDLING: Within authority limit, analyze, investigate, negotiate and resolve moderate severity Bond claims with moderate supervision by claims management
• Identify all recovery opportunities and coordinate recovery efforts with the Recovery Management Unit and claims management
• Prepare reports (i.e., Large Loss Memos, quarterly claim, EC, trial, class action) to management which accurately reflect loss development, potential/actual financial exposure, coverage issues, claim and recovery strategies
• Within authority limit, retain, monitor, manage and approve payments to outside counsel on routine litigation matters, actively utilizing litigation management plans and budgets
• Make appropriate decisions within own claim authority and make appropriate recommendations to management when necessary
• Follow operational policies and procedures, including compliance, regulatory and Bond performance and customer service standards
• Maintain accurate documentation/information in claim file and Bond claim management system and adhere to Claim documentation standards (i.e. coverage analysis, reserve and settlement rationale, current diary)
• Solicit input and guidance from management when resolving claims which are beyond authority level
• Communicate reserve adjustments to underwriting
• Assist/mentor less experienced colleagues in claim resolutions
• Represent Bond Claim in claim strategic initiatives (or lead team); lead Bond Claim strategic initiatives
• LEGAL SUPPORT: Conduct coverage analysis and provide coverage opinions
• Answer legal questions posed by underwriters that impact underwriting decisions, combining legal research with knowledge gained based on experience handling claims
• Advise underwriters regarding the legal effect of bond and policy language and the extent of coverage
• Answer legal questions posed by non-lawyer claim professionals to assist them in determining the legal standards applicable to claim handling and claim decisions
• Maintain an active license and remain current with all required continuing education
• BOND CLAIM SPECIFIC: Policy interpretation/coverage analysis including drafting coverage opinions with case law included
• Provide input in review/revise new product initiatives, policies and policy endorsements and provide legal opinions relative to same
• TRANSACTIONAL WORK AND NEGOTIATION: Review and draft moderate to complex coverage and reservation of rights letters and advise broker, clients as appropriate
• Reviewing and drafting releases and settlement agreements, including confidentiality and no disclosure provisions, for sufficiency, and drafting same for direct handled matters
• Advise non-lawyer claim professionals on the same
• Negotiate settlements/resolutions directly or via counsel using legal arguments relevant to liability, damages, and coverage
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Prior work experience in Bond industry preferred
• 4 or more years of work experience as a lawyer (including in-house) or claims handling preferred
• Able to use negotiation skills and strategies within a litigation and non-litigation context
• Able to communicate effectively through writing and in face to face presentations
• Able to communicate legal advice to underwriters and management independently and/or with input from manager
• Proficient in drafting transactional documents
• Can effectively work through conflict and resolve issues with a professional demeanor

• Health Insurance
• Retirement
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Volunteer Encouragement

Solid reputation, passionate people and endless opportunities. That’s Travelers. Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers – and opportunities for our employees.