Senior Surety Counsel, National Accounts

Handles the most complex Surety claims matters with a high degree of independence. Provides dedicated claims service and builds enduring relationships with assigned accounts. Manages and/or is responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with surety claims procedures. Handles the most complex Core Contract surety claims matters that require a high level of expertise. Directs the claims and recovery efforts, both directly and through the assignment to outside consultants, accountants, financial advisors, construction engineers and legal counsel. Claim duties include: (a) investigating defaults and making recommendations in determining which strategy would be appropriate for Surety to implement (b) setting accurate reserves and recommending adjustments as warranted (c) implementing the default strategies (d) investigating difficult claim issues, including bid protests, payment surety claims, defective specifications, contract modifications, terminations, liens and fraud questions and (e) analyzing recovery prospects from indemnitors, principals, owners and third parties and then recommends and implements appropriate action and then pursues vigorously until close out. Develops individual performance objectives and development plans and insures alignment with business objectives. Interacts and collaborates with all of Surety Senior Management to ensure expedient and efficient resolution of all procedural issues with in the region. Performs legal review as needed. Responsible for analyzing, recommending and implementing appropriate causes of action against indemnitors, principals, owners and third parties. Communicates regularly with underwriters on case status or transactional matters. Prepares and delivers presentations/training sessions to Surety and external industry audiences with respect to preventative law and claim issues, stays abreast of developments in the law which impact surety cases. Manages outside counsel, outside accountants and other outside consultants. Represents Surety in surety industry affairs/associations including legal, claims and industry associations. The selected candidate must live within 50 miles of a Surety Office and have the ability to work a hybrid schedule of two days/week in the office. This policy is subject to change. Completion of Law School and an active bar membership in at least one jurisdiction required A minimum of 5 years of claims experience or equivalent surety claims experience expected (usually greater than 10 years) in managing complex surety claims preferred Exercises a high level of autonomy in handling, managing and reviewing assigned cases and transactional requests Must be knowledgeable of private, state, and federal laws that are applicable to surety claims and transactional matters A full working knowledge of surety claims operations and procedures as well as the ability to communicate effectively is required