Claims Counsel

The Claims Counsel role, working under minimal supervision, provides technical coverage support and guidance to claims team members in the review and analysis of property and casualty claims related coverage issues. The role requires a strong understanding of coverage issues across all standard lines insurance policies. The position also assists with other claims and litigation support activities as assigned which may include responses to subpoenas and requests for information, drafting of Claims Status Reports and other reference materials as well as assisting with the management of outside counsel including the review of activity and time submissions. The role will also provide periodic support for training initiatives and other special projects.

#LI-DNI

• Provides technical coverage support and guidance to claims team members.
• Effectively interacts and communicates important business-related issues with internal business partners such as Underwriting and Product.
• Supports the review and response of claims related subpoenas and requests for information.
• Leads the research and drafting of Claims Status Reports and other reference materials.
• Assists in the review of outside counsel activities and time including appropriate communication with outside counsel.
• Creates training materials and presents training sessions.
• Stays abreast of legal and regulatory changes that may impact claims handling considerations.
• Partners with the Claim Legal Support Services Leader to manage selection of new counsel, facilitates and supports counsel evaluation processes and participates in counsel performance feedback.
• Supports the review and modification of Westfield Counsel Guidelines, Claims Professional Litigation Guidelines and other assigned claims reference and resource materials as needed.
• Assists in the review, analysis and design of various litigation reports, processes, and tools and communicates improvement recommendations and industry best practice considerations to the Claim Legal Support Services Leader.
• Maintains effective and ongoing communication with claims team members, internal and external business partners and other parties.

• 7+ years of experience in claims coverage, insurance defense litigation or a related field.
• Juris Doctor Degree and/or commensurate work experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated property and casualty insurance coverage experience.

Behavioral Competencies

• Collaborates
• Communicates effectively
• Customer focus
• Decision quality
• Nimble learning