Claims Counsel, ALIA

Alberta-Lawyers-Indemnity-Association; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ALIA is seeking a Claims Counsel to investigate, assess, manage and settle negligence and misappropriation claims against participating lawyers.

Reporting to the Manager, Claims, you will evaluate coverage, inform subscribers, negotiate terms, provide strategic support to prevent and repair claims, and oversee outside experts and counsel. Strong analytical, communication and independent work ethic are essential.

Qualifications

• Member of the Law Society of Alberta (or eligible for membership).
• Law Degree.
• Minimum 3 years of post-call practice experience.
• Related litigation/insurance defence practice experience and/or liability claims experience is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, staff, and subject matter experts.
• Superior analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex situations and recommend solutions.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, organizational, judgment and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with attention to detail and a sharp focus on the quantity and quality of work produced.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• A desire and capability for growth to meet additional requirements added to this position over time.
• Flexible with work hours during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate coverage with reference to policy definitions, conditions and exclusions.
• Inform subscribers of claims process, management of their file and any coverage issues.
• Negotiate terms of coverage with subscribers and document agreement by letter, non-waiver agreement or reservation of rights letter.
• Provide advice and strategic support to subscribers to prevent and repair claims.
• Develop comprehensive strategies to efficiently resolve claims.
• Make informed and prudent decisions to retain and oversee outside experts and counsel.
• Independently conduct settlement negotiations and meetings, arrange and participate in mediations, arbitrations, mini-trials, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct research of applicable statutes and common law precedents, as required.

Education

Law Degree

Job description

The Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (“ALIA”) is the member-funded, non-profit corporation that manages Alberta’s indemnity program for participating lawyers, providing economic and reputational protection to them and compensation to members of the public who have suffered certain financial losses due to the actions of participating lawyers, including professional errors and misappropriation. ALIA operates as a separate financial entity from the Law Society of Alberta (“LSA”), ALIA’s sole shareholder, which regulates Alberta’s legal profession in the public interest. ALIA is overseen by a board of directors selected for their skills and experience.

Reporting to the Manager, Claims, the Claims Counsel is expected to effectively and efficiently investigate, assess, manage and settle negligence and misappropriation claims made against participating lawyers.

As a member of the ALIA team, the Claims Counsel will:

• Honour and visibly support ALIA’s Vision, Mission, Values and Operating Principles.
• Work collaboratively with high performance individuals and make a positive contribution to a high performance, results-orientated culture.
• Function within defined authority limits.
• Retain and oversee independent claims investigators, adjusters and outside counsel, when appropriate.
• Maintain claim files in accordance with the Claims Manual and update claim data and statistics.
• Respond positively and incorporate improvements highlighted through internal audits and the File Management Reviews.

KeyResponsibilities

• Assess and evaluate coverage with reference to policy definitions, conditions and exclusions.
• Inform subscribers of claims process, management of their file and any coverage issues.
• Negotiate terms of coverage with subscribers and document agreement by letter, non-waiver agreement or reservation of rights letter.
• Provide advice and strategic support to subscribers to prevent and repair claims.
• Develop comprehensive strategies to efficiently resolve claims.
• Make informed and prudent decisions to retain and oversee outside experts and counsel.
• Independently conduct settlement negotiations and meetings, arrange and participate in mediations, arbitrations, mini-trials, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
• Conduct research of applicable statutes and common law precedents, as required.

Qualifications

• Member of the Law Society of Alberta (or eligible for membership)
• Law Degree
• Minimum 3 years of post-call practice experience.
• Related litigation/insurance defence practice experience and/or liability claims experience is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, staff, and subject matter experts.
• Superior analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex situations and recommend solutions.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, organizational, judgment and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with attention to detail and a sharp focus on the quantity and quality of work produced.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
• A desire and capability for growth to meet additional requirements added to this position over time.
• Flexible with work hours during peak periods.

Additional Information

ALIA is partnering with Caldwell on this search. Interested applicants should inquire directly with Meaghan Loughry at [e-mail] and Dal Bhathal [e-mail].