Corporate 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 Corporate Counsel will be an active member of W. R. Berkley Corporation’s corporate legal department, focused on supporting the Company’s general corporate and transactional activities. 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 team, participating in a diverse set of corporate and transactional 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 and investment operations, including reviewing, analyzing, drafting and negotiating various legal documents.
• Advise on and negotiate transaction documents for a wide range of general corporate matters and investments activities across a variety of asset classes and industries, including real estate investment transactions.
• Collaborate with members of the Company’s legal department and business and investment colleagues to accomplish stated objectives while protecting the Company’s legal position.
• Work closely and proactively with senior management, providing legal counsel and guidance for both ordinary and special activities of the Company.

• 4-9 years of legal experience (law firm and/or in-house), with a focus on corporate law and transactions, SEC reporting and compliance 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.
• Ability to understand complex transactions, including regulatory, tax and accounting implications.
• Willingness to take initiative; undaunted by need to stretch and tackle unfamiliar problems.
• Demonstrated advanced negotiation skills and effective analysis to resolve legal issues.
• Highly proficient multi-modal communicator.
• Strong work-ethic and desire to provide maximum effort to meet deadlines.

Education Requirement

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