Claims Attorney

OBLIC is hiring for the position of Claims Counsel, handling professional liability claims against Ohio legal professionals. We not only serve Ohio lawyers and law firms but also magistrates, judges, employed lawyers, law clinics and bar associations. We are looking for someone who wants to be a part of and contribute to our ongoing story of providing our high level of service for new and long-standing insureds alike.

The Company was formed in response to an ongoing insurance crisis among Ohio attorneys. Commercial carriers had been withdrawing from the lawyer’s professional liability (LPL) insurance market at the time and prices for coverage were increasing rapidly. We have stayed true to the purpose of our creation while looking for new opportunities to serve Ohio legal professionals. Our steady performance and financial strength has consistently earned us an A (Excellent) rating by the A.M. Best Company.

REPORTS TO:                      

Vice President of Claims; Board of Directors

RESPONSIBLE FOR:           

Management of claims and potential claims reported to OBLIC. Also assists in answering claims-related questions from attorneys and shall assist other departments of the Company as may be necessary.

DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES:

1.    Claims handled by OBLIC span the full spectrum of legal practice areas. The position requires a demonstrated desire to learn, investigate, and analyze factual scenarios and potentially unfamiliar areas of law, and to develop well‑reasoned coverage and claim positions. The Claims Attorney must be comfortable discussing complex factual and legal issues internally with other claim staff and management. Additionally, is expected to be able to communicate those matters clearly in both written and verbal form, including in a reporting capacity to senior leadership, the Board of Directors and its committees, reinsurers, and other third parties, as appropriate.

2.    At a minimum, is available the regular business hours of the Company, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday-Friday. The position will require some travel. While the Company maintains some flexibility in individual work schedules, this position requires regular in-office presence during core business hours.

3.    A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required.

4.    The position requires attendance at court hearings, mediations, and other legal proceedings, which may occur during standard business hours and, occasionally, outside of those hours. Travel may be required.

5.    Adjusts claims reported against policyholders of the Company. Supervises retained counsel in the defense of such claims. Assists in providing research materials to retained counsel. May also be required to assist in the defense of claims made against the Company. Reports on matters of relevance to the Board of Directors, when required.

6.    Ensures that proper records and case reserves are maintained for all claims filed with the Company.

7.    May assist and help recommend training programs, instructional bulletins, manuals, etc., for the instruction and guidance of claims personnel.

8.    Assists with the selection, evaluation, compensation and termination of retained defense counsel.

9.    Furnishes technical advice and assistance on specific cases and situations, as required.

10. May assist with required reports that indicate the status and trends of claim activities.

11. Provides special attention to existing and potential problem areas. Has an interest in assisting with new projects and opportunities for growth that the Company may explore.

12. Maintains required contacts with the various associations and bureaus within the industry; maintains contacts with trade associations and groups outside the insurance industry as required to serve the best interests of the Company.

13. Attends all meetings of the corporate staff, or other meetings, as may be required.

14. Reports to any reinsurers those claims which are to be reported. Also reports claim files which may not fall within reporting guidelines, but that could raise issues of concern with the reinsurer(s).

15. Performs other duties assigned by the President or the Vice President of Claims.

16. Some Prior practical experience or civil litigation experience in one or more of the following areas of practice would be helpful: Domestic Relations, Employment Law, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate and Trust, Professional Liability Claims, or Real Estate. Competency in Excel and MS365 a plus.

BENEFITS:

1.    Salary range dependent on experience: $75,000 to $100,000

2.    401k employer match, up to 10%

3.    Health, Vision, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance programs

4.    Professional development education reimbursement

5.    A Four Day Work Week Option, subject to specific requirements of the position as necessary.

           This position is subject to termination by the Company without prior notice, and at the Company’s sole discretion. Employment with the Company is “employment at will,” and may be subject to termination at any time at the option of either the employee or the Company.