Senior Attorney

Senior Attorney – The Auto Club Group Job Type: Full time Exempt/Non Exempt: Salary Job Description: This is a hybrid position reporting to our Troy office two days a week. Responsibilities Case Analysis and Preparation Analyzes, files, reviews all allegations, and renders legal opinions to Claims personnel regarding evaluation and disposition of injury cases. Prepares responses to civil complaints and any appropriate motions; determines feasibility of including third‑party defendants in pending suits. Conducts discovery, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for admission, etc. Reviews insurance policy and all pertinent documents. Selects legal investigators and arranges for service of subpoenas and summonses. Files additional motions as facts of case and proper timing warrant. Reviews medical and related technical data; consults with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities. Analyzes discovery information to determine whether settlement is in the best interests of insureds and the Company. Prepares uninsured/underinsured motorist cases for trial or arbitration hearings. Prepares and submits pre‑trial statements; attends pre‑trial hearings, participates in jury selection. Trial and Defense Prepares case for trial, examining facts and developing trial strategy. Conducts defense by delivering opening statements, examining and cross‑examining witnesses, making and arguing motions, conferring with judges, delivering closing arguments. Prepares trial briefs, encompassing the insured’s defense, applicable law, and jury instructions. Prepares summaries and appears before Case Evaluation Tribunal and/or Facilitator to advocate defendant’s case. Evaluates award and makes recommendation whether to accept or proceed to trial. Client Communications and Negotiations Keeps client advised of status of case; consults with third‑party clients regarding litigation. Advises insured and recommends retention of independent counsel for potential “over‑limits” judgment to protect insured’s assets. Negotiates reasonable and equitable pre‑trial settlements on behalf of Company and insured, when possible. Applies cost/benefit considerations to all litigation activity. Advises payment of claims as appropriate. Coordinates trial or settlement activity with co‑counsel to protect interests of insured. Recommends appeals to Appeals Committee based on facts and recovery chances. Legal Advice and Guidance Renders legal advice and opinions to Claims personnel on coverage, liability and damages. Conducts examinations under oath in consultation with Practice Leader. Participates in Claims Legal Council Program regularly. Participates in one or more office committees, either as standing or rotating member. Mentors less experienced attorneys on legal matters within areas of expertise. Qualifications Education Juris Doctor degree or graduate of accredited law school. Member of the State Bar of applicable state. Experience Minimum five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney in personal injury, no‑fault, or insurance litigation; Or three (3) years as an Associate Attorney at ACG Staff Counsel with yearly performance reviews of overall fully met expectations or higher. Knowledge Civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence. Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research. Discovery methods and techniques. Mediation rules, procedures and summaries. General claims procedures. Tort liability law, including applicable theories of recovery and appropriate defenses. Insurance law, including familiarity with Uniform Trade Practices Law and Principles of Bad Faith Actions. Principles of insurance contract construction and interpretation. Policies for all lines of coverage. Michigan Court Rules and motion practice. Rules of evidence and techniques for introducing or excluding evidence. Standard jury instructions and drafting nonstandard jury instructions where appropriate. Professional ethics issues related to relationship of house counsel to insured. Office standards and procedures. Legal research and availability of research tools. Skills and Ability Communicate effectively with attorneys, court officers, public and others. Analyze, organize, and present facts, evidence and related materials effectively in both written and oral forms. Utilize office computer software, including litigation management systems. Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job. Background and drug screen required upon employment. Preferred Qualifications Trial experience. Experience in first‑party no‑fault or auto insurance defense litigation. Defense trial practice demonstrated through in‑depth research projects, seminars, membership in professional organizations, or other activities. Experience with company operations and quality of service, demonstrated by participation in Staff Counsel. Very favorable performance on Attorney Productivity/Scorecard metrics. In‑depth knowledge of Michigan’s No‑Fault Act and significant case law. Benefits Competitive annual salary of $110,000 – $150,000 with annual bonus potential, based on performance. Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement, etc.). Work Environment This is a hybrid position reporting to our Troy office two days a week. The position can be performed remotely from a home office for day‑to‑day operation unless occasional travel for meetings, collaboration, or team building is required. EEO Statement The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Legal acts require the company to conduct background checks and drug screens for employees in compliance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co