AVP - Counsel - Berkley

"Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence."

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States.

Along the way, we’ve been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion.

Today, the Berkley brand comprises more than 60+ businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess. Led by our Executive Chairman, founder, and largest shareholder, William. R. Berkley, and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., W. R. Berkley Corporation is well-positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

The Assistant Vice President - Counsel will be an active member of W. R. Berkley Corporation’s corporate legal department, focused on supporting W. R. Berkley’s general corporate and transactional activities and giving continual legal counsel to business colleagues and senior management. The successful candidate will be business-savvy, capable of understanding the Company’s business objectives and using impeccable judgment in providing legal advice. The attorney will skillfully represent the Company when dealing with outside counsel and transaction counterparties.

Key points which make this opportunity attractive include:

• Counsel and advise senior management of an industry leading multi-billion-dollar S&P and Fortune 500 corporation, positioned for continued growth.
• Serve as a key member of a small, high-performing legal department in order to lead and participate in a diverse set of corporate, transactional and other general legal matters.
• Work directly with senior members of the legal team and in partnership with one of the most sophisticated teams of business executives and investment professionals in the country.
• Work for a company whose leaders pride themselves on integrity, innovation, and a culture focused on trust and respect for the Company’s many stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

• Provide legal support for the Company’s corporate matters, including advising on insurance regulatory matters.
• Advise on the Company SEC and other public reporting requirements and related filings and provide support for general corporate and organizational activities.
• Provide support for insurance operations of the Company’s operating units and related regulatory matters and filings.
• Work closely and proactively with senior management, providing legal counsel and guidance for both the ordinary and special activities of the Company to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law.

• 10+ years of legal experience (law firm and/or in-house), with a focus on corporate law and transactions, SEC and other public reporting and compliance requirements and investment activities. Experience with cybersecurity and/or data privacy regulations a plus. Insurance experience preferred.
• Solution-oriented, creative and strategic thinking to help business and investment partners navigate legal and regulatory issues.
• Business savvy and sound judgment combined with deep knowledge of law and industry practice to frame legal advice suited to the business or investment context and objective.
• Ability to understand complex transactions, including regulatory, tax and accounting implications.
• Willingness to take initiative; undaunted by need to stretch and tackle unfamiliar problems, such as litigation, insurance regulatory matters and special projects.
• Expert skill in negotiation and problem analysis.
• Highly proficient multi-modal communicator effective with colleagues, business executives, investment professionals, outside counsel, counterparties and regulatory bodies.
• Strong work-ethic and desire to provide maximum effort to meet deadlines.

Education Requirement

• J.D. and membership in applicable bar association.