The James Allen Companies Inc
General Summary
The Litigation Specialist investigates and adjusts tort liability claims for municipal members consistent with internal claims protocols and industry best practices. This role also manages contract defense counsel in accordance with the organization’s litigation management guidelines. The position is responsible for maintaining effective relationships with members, the Board of Trustees, and all service providers. Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and maintain tort liability claim protocols. Log claims and set up case files. Set and monitor case reserves. Contact injured parties. Conduct thorough investigations to assess liability, damages, applicability of coverage, potential defenses, and subrogation opportunities. Compile and organize evidence and produce litigation support documents needed by defense counsel for closings, depositions, hearings, trials, and meetings. Make timely, accurate, and consistent coverage determinations, and communicate any limitations on coverage to members. Examine legal documents and administer files throughout the legal process. Regularly communicate with members on claim status. Maintain active diaries on all open claims, clearly documenting claim status and plan of action. Appropriately assign litigated cases to approved defense counsel. Develop effective litigation strategies with defense counsel. Assist defense counsel throughout the litigation process. Manage cases within budget. Represent the organization at mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences as needed. Attend trials and hearings as required by defense counsel. Recommend settlements to the Claims/Litigation Manager where appropriate. Present claim reviews to the Board of Trustees. Monitor performance of defense counsel and recommend changes to the approved defense counsel panel when appropriate. Monitor pending claims to identify those that can be moved to closure. Perform statistical analysis and prepare reports evaluating the effectiveness of the claims and litigation management program. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Style and Complexity
Direction Received: No day-to-day direction or instruction is necessary to accomplish assigned duties. Analytical Requirements: Assignments require almost continual analysis of figures, data trends, and results that directly affect the organization’s policy. Decisions and Judgment: Provides consultation or expert advice to management on operational issues. Initiative: Independent action within an established field is required. New procedures and new approaches to problems must be assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Five years of liability claims handling and litigation management experience required. Experience maintaining electronic files in a claims management information system required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience working with public entities preferred. Experience with property, liability, and auto claims in the municipal industry is a plus. Additional Requirements
Valid Driver’s License and Insurance. Kansas Insurance Agent’s License preferred. Insurance/claims designation is a plus. Special Requirements / Skills
Strong knowledge of:
Tort principles Property and casualty insurance coverage Applicable federal and state laws related to claims and insurance Claims best practices Investigation methods and negotiation tactics
Excellent leadership skills Ability to gather and analyze information to facilitate decision-making Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Knowledge of Origami is very helpful Outstanding verbal and writing skills Excellent communication and presentation skills Strong organizational and time management skills Work Environment
Office environment Eligible for one work-from-home day per week after one year of service (at the discretion of the Claims/Litigation Manager) Statewide travel between 10% and 15%
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The Litigation Specialist investigates and adjusts tort liability claims for municipal members consistent with internal claims protocols and industry best practices. This role also manages contract defense counsel in accordance with the organization’s litigation management guidelines. The position is responsible for maintaining effective relationships with members, the Board of Trustees, and all service providers. Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and maintain tort liability claim protocols. Log claims and set up case files. Set and monitor case reserves. Contact injured parties. Conduct thorough investigations to assess liability, damages, applicability of coverage, potential defenses, and subrogation opportunities. Compile and organize evidence and produce litigation support documents needed by defense counsel for closings, depositions, hearings, trials, and meetings. Make timely, accurate, and consistent coverage determinations, and communicate any limitations on coverage to members. Examine legal documents and administer files throughout the legal process. Regularly communicate with members on claim status. Maintain active diaries on all open claims, clearly documenting claim status and plan of action. Appropriately assign litigated cases to approved defense counsel. Develop effective litigation strategies with defense counsel. Assist defense counsel throughout the litigation process. Manage cases within budget. Represent the organization at mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences as needed. Attend trials and hearings as required by defense counsel. Recommend settlements to the Claims/Litigation Manager where appropriate. Present claim reviews to the Board of Trustees. Monitor performance of defense counsel and recommend changes to the approved defense counsel panel when appropriate. Monitor pending claims to identify those that can be moved to closure. Perform statistical analysis and prepare reports evaluating the effectiveness of the claims and litigation management program. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Style and Complexity
Direction Received: No day-to-day direction or instruction is necessary to accomplish assigned duties. Analytical Requirements: Assignments require almost continual analysis of figures, data trends, and results that directly affect the organization’s policy. Decisions and Judgment: Provides consultation or expert advice to management on operational issues. Initiative: Independent action within an established field is required. New procedures and new approaches to problems must be assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Five years of liability claims handling and litigation management experience required. Experience maintaining electronic files in a claims management information system required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience working with public entities preferred. Experience with property, liability, and auto claims in the municipal industry is a plus. Additional Requirements
Valid Driver’s License and Insurance. Kansas Insurance Agent’s License preferred. Insurance/claims designation is a plus. Special Requirements / Skills
Strong knowledge of:
Tort principles Property and casualty insurance coverage Applicable federal and state laws related to claims and insurance Claims best practices Investigation methods and negotiation tactics
Excellent leadership skills Ability to gather and analyze information to facilitate decision-making Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Knowledge of Origami is very helpful Outstanding verbal and writing skills Excellent communication and presentation skills Strong organizational and time management skills Work Environment
Office environment Eligible for one work-from-home day per week after one year of service (at the discretion of the Claims/Litigation Manager) Statewide travel between 10% and 15%
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