VP, Senior Legal 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 50 businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments:  Insurance and Reinsurance and 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 purpose of the position is to bring both industry and legal technical expertise in the management of our largest and/or most complex claim matters. This will be a safeguarding / oversight role, working closely with the respective claim offices.

Provide technical and strategic guidance for high exposure and complex claims, including coverage and/or bad faith litigation, being managed by in-house claim departments of multiple operating units.   Assure that exposures are timely recognized, litigation strategies and resolution plans are well formulated and executed.  

Effectively communicate with internal business partners as well as colleagues in underwriting, actuarial and executive management. The role requires technical expertise (both liability and coverage) across a variety of lines of business, the

ability to establish effective working relationships with senior claims leaders across a number of claims operations, and aptitude in managing by influence rather through direct hierarchical reporting structure.

Key Functions Include: 

• Collaborate with Operating Units to effectively manage Berkley litigation and complex/severe claims to optimum claim outcomes.
• Inform other functional departments (underwriting, actuarial, finance) of positive/negative conditions noted during investigations which may impact company results.
• Engage with reinsurance partners on claim issues and industry trends.
• Drive favorable loss cost results by influencing, planning and guidance on individual severity/complex claims.
• Provides ongoing analysis of technical material (i.e. case law, regulations) to determine the impact on claim operations and provide the necessary guidance and assistance to the claim office(s).
• Serve as a mentor in the training and development of less experienced staff when necessary.
• Provide input and guidance on trial strategy, policy limit demands, appeals, coverage issues, etc.
• Work professionally and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree; Law Degree (JD)
• 15+ years of experience in Claims (including coverage, bad faith, liability expertise) in at least one or a variety of products lines including General Liability, Professional Liability, Workers Compensation, and Property.
• Superior knowledge of all technical aspects of claims handling/management including investigation, coverage analysis, litigation management, evaluation, reserving and negotiation.
• Superior expertise in coverage and declaratory judgment/extra-contractual litigation.
• Strong interpersonal communication, presentation, consultative, and negotiation skills.
• Sound judgment; strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills; detail-oriented and ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer skills: Windows; Microsoft Office; Outlook.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically is required.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.