Job Summary

The Director & Managing Trial Attorney (MTA) leads and directs a group of attorneys and paralegals engaged in one or more specific technical legal areas of defense including Commercial and Specialty Lines..  Has ongoing case and relationship management accountability for litigation and other legal related work.  Oversees case loads of other attorneys and may manage own case load. Focuses on objectives to set direction and drive superior results.  Stays informed on relevant insurance industry trends. Uses metrics, information analysis and accesses technology resources to drive desired behaviors and results.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

1. Leads and directs the work activities and has full management responsibility for the performance of Assistant Managing Attorney, attorneys and select staff in office.  Assigns cases to staff attorneys, monitors work and coordinates with others outside of office as needed. Optimizes talent in accordance with client and CNA needs and expectations, driving desired behavior to achieve results.

2. Oversees the work of attorneys and paralegals involved in the handling of all cases including highly complex or specialized insurance defense from pleadings through trial driving for superior results. Provides trial coaching/oversight and assistance to attorneys.

3. May directly handle own case load.

4. Reviews and discusses the litigation strategy with assigned attorneys including whether a case should be tried or settled.  Actively supports attorneys to enable them to drive case to resolution with an appropriate sense of urgency.

5. Stays up to date on legal trends and developments as well as insurance industry issues, increasing overall insurance business acumen.

6. Communicates regularly and concisely with clients, claim professionals, Leadership and others to ensure appropriate level of understanding for effective case management. Collaboratively works with staff, clients, claim professionals, underwriting, risk control and other third parties.

7. Communicates regularly with Leadership regarding program and operational effectiveness and opportunities, results, issues and needs.  Collaborates with other MTA’s and Claim Leadership.

8. Conducts legal research and analysis of facts and information to provide counsel and guidance on legal questions or issues. Counsels clients/management/claim professionals to avoid legally unsound decisions or plans and when changes in the law occur.

9. Ensures that department staff is trained on appropriate procedures.  Makes suggestions and executes ideas to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the program.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Typically AVP or above
 
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1.  Significant trial experience and senior level knowledge of the theories and principles of litigation management within an insurance organization.  
2.  Seasoned management skills with the ability to coach, mentor and develop subordinate staff. 
3.  Independent judgment and ability to effectively manage internal and external business relationships. 
4.  Superior verbal and written communication skills. 
5.  Exceptional negotiation and analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement tactical strategies in line with business goals and objectives. 
6.  Ability to effectively manage and resolve ambiguous and complex issues and situations. 
7.  Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software including legal files management and billing software.
8. Focuses on objectives to set direction and drive superior results.  
9. Uses Metrics and information analysis and accesses technology resources as needed. 
10. Builds a competitive organization by attracting, managing, developing and retaining the talent needed to win.    
11. Value driven to provide superior solutions to internal and/or external customers.  
12. Acts with a sense of urgency to advance priorities of the organization.  
13. Helps other to excel through collaboration and building strong relationships.  
14. Thinks creatively and uses diverse ideas to solve problems.  
15. Raises expectations of self and others by continuously learning and broadening industry and technical skills.

Education & Experience

1. JD with admission to the bar required in IL.
2. Typically a minimum of 10 years related litigation/trial experience.  5 years Leadership exposure desired.