Director, Claim Counsel

RLI Insurance; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and holidays

Hybrid work arrangements

401(k) – ESOP and company match

Job summary

RLI Insurance in Chicago is seeking a seasoned Claim Counsel to manage coverage and bad faith litigation nationwide. You will advise the Claim Department on complex coverage issues, review filings, and coordinate with outside counsel to achieve fair, economical resolutions.

The role requires a J.D., 8+ years of experience, and expertise across commercial general liability and first-party property lines. A hybrid work arrangement and robust total rewards program are offered.

Qualifications

• J.D. required and licensed to practice law.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in law practice, preferably in both law firm and insurance.
• Experience providing coverage and bad faith litigation guidance under CGL and/or first-party property policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage coverage and bad faith litigation nationwide for the Company.
• Coordinate with outside coverage counsel and review filings and discovery responses.
• Advise Claim Department on coverage issues and policy language.
• Research and evaluate external coverage decisions across US jurisdictions.
• Provide training and legal counseling on claim handling and litigation management.
• Support product development with policy language and coverage advice.
• Contribute to special projects and initiatives as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Legal judgment

Communication

Team collaboration

Strategic perspective

Client advisory

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

About Us

We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results —we’re different.Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together.Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage coverage and bad faith litigation by and against the Company countrywide by providing competent legal advice and counsel on claim related matters.
• Manage outside coverage counsel in coverage and bad faith litigation, including review all company filings and discovery responses.
• Achieve optimal results by resolving claim-related coverage litigation fairly, expeditiously, and economically.
• Consult with and provide legal advice to the Claim Department on coverage issues, including reviewing coverage letters or other documentation.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate external coverage and bad faith decisions and legislation across multiple US jurisdictions.
• Provide training and legal advice to Claim Department, including on coverage issues, file documentation, litigation management, excess vs. primary disputes, catastrophe claims, and claim handling issues.
• Provide legal advice and consultation on policy language and product development.
• Provide legal advice to Claim Department on other issues and disputes that arise from coverage and claim handling.
• Provide legal advice on special projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed.

Education & Experience

• J.D. required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience practicing law at a law firm or insurance company, preferably both.
• Experience providing legal advice and handling coverage and bad faith litigation arising under commercial general liability and/or first party property policies.
• Experience with additional product lines preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Experience handling bodily injury and property damage liability claims or litigation, preferably both.
• Experience analyzing coverage under commercial general liability, first party property, and other insurance policies and defending alleged bad faith claims preferred.
• Experience providing coverage advice and handling coverage and bad faith litigation across multiple US jurisdictions strongly preferred.
• Experience with insurance policy drafting preferred.
• Ability to use analytical methods in complex claim processes to find workable solutions.
• Ability to generate innovative solutions within the Claim Counsel Department.
• Ability to communicate findings and recommendations effectively to management on Claim Counsel department matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively on claim counsel matters.
• Ability to collaborate with and develop others to facilitate increased performance.
• Ability to apply a strategic perspective to improve claim outcomes.
• Ability to provide a high level of service to the Claim Department and other key stakeholders including clear communication, sound judgment, and practical advice.

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future.

Base Pay Range

$136,618.00 - $199,120.00

Financial Incentives

• Annual bonus plans
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) – automatic 3% company contribution
• Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)

Work & Life

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
• Parental and family care leave
• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
• Employee assistance program

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Personal & Professional Growth

RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:

• Training & certification opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Education bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion

Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.

RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.