Senior Manager, Staff Counsel - Hackensack, NJ

GEICO; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 166,050 - 260,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GEICO Pledge

Job summary

GEICO seeks a Senior Manager, Staff Counsel to lead a team defending GEICO insureds in liability and property-damage actions, including UM/UIM and subrogation matters. The role requires a JD, admission to practice and at least 10 years of litigation experience, with demonstrated management responsibility.

The position is hybrid in New Jersey, with travel as needed for trials, hearings, and conferences. GEICO offers a strong benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• Must be licensed in good standing to practice law.
• Minimum 10 years of litigation experience, including insurance defense or personal injury.
• Management experience leading a team of attorneys and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Directs a team defending GEICO insureds in liability and property-damage cases.
• Interviews or approves job applicants.
• Conducts performance appraisals.
• Approves salary adjustments and other personnel actions.
• Counsels associates and handles disciplinary actions as appropriate.
• May represent GEICO insureds in court as needed.
• Researches laws and prepares briefs, opinions, and memoranda.
• Prepares pleadings and discovery; handles depositions as needed.
• Trains and supervises junior attorneys.
• Implements changes to improve office statistics and reporting.

Skills

Management experience

Litigation experience

Legal research

Trial preparation

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Senior Manager, Staff Counsel

State of New Jersey involving the defense of lawsuits against GEICO insureds, and on behalf of GEICO in subrogation, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) suits, and property damage suits in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.

Essential Functions

• Manages subordinates in all activities relating to the defense of lawsuits against GEICO insureds in liability and property damage cases, and on behalf of GEICO in UM/UIM and subrogation suits.
• Interviews and/or approves job applicants for employment.
• Conducts and/or reviews associate performance appraisals.
• Initiates or approves salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes.
• Counsels associates and takes disciplinary action or terminates the employment of associates as appropriate.
• May represent GEICO insureds in liability cases and in UM/UIM, subrogation, and PD suits filed in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.
• Researches laws and prepares legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda.
• Renders opinions on liability, damage, and value as requested by the Claims Department; may prepare and handle pleadings, motions, and discovery, including depositions/examinations before trial and examinations under oath, and other deadlines.
• Trains and supervises less experienced attorneys, including assisting attorneys as first and second chair counsel, and/or observing attorneys at trials and arbitrations; monitors all applicable bar requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements; provides feedback on quality of file handling and expense management.
• Reviews office reports and implements changes to improve office statistics, including timeliness of reports to clients, productivity reports, client and claims survey results, resolved ratio, and subrogation results.
• Adheres to the GEICO Code of Conduct, company policies, and operating principles.
• Meets attendance standards of the business location to perform necessary job functions and to facilitate interaction with subordinates and management.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be able to travel as required, including but not limited to attend trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings, and conferences.
• Must be able, with or without accommodation, to perform the essential functions which include, but are not limited to, thinking (concentrating, focusing, assimilating information), reading, writing, listening, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate in a professional manner in person, via telephone and written correspondence/email.
• Must be able to document files in a clear, concise, professional written manner, to be understood by customers, clients, co‑workers and other employees of the organization.
• Must be able to follow complex instructions, resolve conflicts or facilitate conflict resolution, and have strong organization/priority setting and multi‑tasking skills.
• Must demonstrate successful performance in handling primary trial responsibility for cases of significant severity and complexity.

Must Have The Following Education And Experience

• Juris Doctor degree – REQUIRED.
• Must be licensed in good standing to practice law in applicable jurisdictions and meet and maintain licensing requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements where applicable.
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of litigation experience, including insurance defense or personal injury.
• Management experience required. Specifically managing a team of attorneys and support staff.

Location – HYBRID

New Jersey (hybrid work model).

Annual Salary

$166,050.00 – $260,350.00

At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The GEICO Pledge

• Great Company: Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity.
• Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance.
• Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success.
• Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well‑being and future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.