Litigation Claim Adjuster

Merchants; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Bonus program

Generous paid time off

Full benefits (Health, Dental, Vision)

Job summary

Merchants Insurance Group in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey is seeking a Litigation Adjuster to join the Claims Legal Team. The role focuses on auto and premises liability claims, with a hybrid schedule and regular collaboration with internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, and service providers.

You will evaluate coverage, investigate and settle claims, manage reserves, and coordinate with defense counsel. A 4-year degree or equivalent experience plus 3 years in commercial lines claims is expected; JD

Qualifications

• 4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience.
• At least 3 years of experience handling commercial lines claims.
• Experience with NY Labor Law, construction defect, or third-party property damage is a plus.
• Ability to oversee defense counsel and develop resolution strategies.
• Excellent organization, negotiation, and verbal/written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with claims staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and service providers to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Manage a portfolio of complex and high-exposure litigated claims.
• Evaluate coverage by interpreting policy language and prepare coverage position letters.
• Conduct and direct timely investigation, evaluation and equitable settlement of claims.
• Ensure timely and accurate reserves in line with reserving practices.
• Negotiate fair settlements directly with attorneys.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities through contracts and applicable law.

Skills

Commercial claims handling

New York Labor Law knowledge

Negotiation

Effective communication

Defense counsel management

Education

4-year degree or equivalent

JD (preferred)

Job description

Litigation Adjuster

Hybrid Work Schedule

Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for a Litigation Adjuster to join our growing Claims Legal Team in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey regional office.

The Litigation Adjuster will become part of a dedicated team focusing on auto and premises liability claims, which includes New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third-party property damage claims. This position interacts extensively with internal colleagues as well as policyholders, agents, attorneys and a multitude of claim‑related service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and a variety of service providers and experts all while working towards achieving the most optimal outcomes for Merchants and our policyholders.
• Providing a high level of customer service while managing a portfolio of complex and high exposure litigated claims involving complex liability and damage issues.
• Evaluating coverage by interpreting/applying policy language to claim facts and preparing appropriate and timely coverage position letters.
• Conducting and directing timely and quality claim investigation, evaluation and equitable settlement of all assigned claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reserves consistent with established reserving philosophy and practices.
• Negotiating fair and equitable settlements directly with attorneys.
• Identifying risk transfer opportunities through trade contracts and/or applicable law.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Qualified candidates will have a 4-year degree or equivalent work‑related experience.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience handling commercial lines claims. Experience with New York Labor Law, construction defect and/or third‑party property damage claims is a plus.
• Candidates with a JD and insurance defense experience looking for a new career path are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to oversee and manage defense counsel, select and retain appropriate experts and develop appropriate resolution strategies.
• Professional designations or working towards industry‑specific designations are a plus.
• Exceptional organization, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills are required.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale. The estimated salary for this role ranges from $85,000 - $105,000 based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component and a comprehensive benefits package. This range is merely an estimate; actual compensation may deviate from this range based on skills, experience and qualifications.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Colleague Appreciation events.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Company bonus program.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Merchants Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Merchants Insurance Group supports a safe workplace through pre‑employment background screenings.