Job Summary

This is a Senior Claim Counsel position in the Management Liability, Financial Institutions & Technology Claim Group.  The individual in this position will primarily focus on high severity D&O and E&O claims under policies issued to large depository institutions, insurance companies, asset managers, private equity and venture capital firms and REITs. Ideally, the candidate will have a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience. The individual in this position will have responsibility for handling a pending of approximately 75 of the unit’s highest severity matters at any given time. The position requires the ability to independently evaluate liability and coverage; proactively formulate and execute claim resolution strategies; and, without the assistance of counsel, attend mediations, navigate complex settlement dynamics and drive and influence best possible claim outcomes.  

The individual in this role will collaborate closely with our internal business partners on claim trends and issues. The role requires excellent leadership, communication and market facing skills. As a senior member of the team, this position also requires regular mentoring of junior team members including assistance with analyzing and formulating strategies on complex files.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Handles complex, high severity financial lines claims requiring legal analysis of complicated liability, damages and coverage issues. Drafts coverage letters, memos and reports. Represents CNA in settlement negotiations with independent authority to commit CNA. Interacts with multiple parties (e.g., insureds, brokers, counsel, claimants and mediators). Directs and manages coverage counsel and coverage litigation against CNA.
2. Partners with underwriters, product counsel and actuary to effectively respond to policy wording and/or claim related inquiries. Collaborates directly with brokers and customers to address similar issues.
3. Meets with brokers and existing or prospective clients as part of business marketing, growth and retention strategies. Works with senior claim, underwriting and product leadership to develop and analyze new products and to identify, evaluate and track claim trends and issues.
4. Provides technical guidance to and oversight of junior staff members. Develops and presents training on key legal and industry issues/trends for the financial lines team (claims, underwriting, product and actuary). Represents CNA on panels at industry conferences.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship
Typically AVP and above.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

1. Senior level advanced knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and procedures of litigation management.
2. The highest level of technical and product specific expertise, claims resolution skill and knowledge of insurance and claims principles, practices and procedures.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication, and negotiation and presentation skills.
4. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
5. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and senior level skill in managing ambiguous situations and issues.
6. Proven ability to take a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives in order to achieve strategic business results.
7. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree with JD, and admission to the bar of at least one state. 
2. Typically a minimum of twelve years of claims and/or legal experience with a proven track record of exceptional claim results.