Staff Counsel - Liability Claims

Locations 3200 OLYMPUS BOULEVARD, Dallas, TX, 75019, US (On-site) Job Category Corporate: Leadership Job Description The Staff Counsel - Liability Claims leads all aspects of liability claims management for a large commercial transportation and logistics company with a fleet primarily leased from independent contractors. They are responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight, and operational execution of the company’s liability claims program — encompassing commercial auto liability, cargo claims, general liability, and catastrophic loss events. They serve as the primary liaison between operations, external legal counsel, insurers, and senior leadership on all claims-related matters. As part of claims management, they are responsible for managing complex trucking and transportation-related litigation on behalf of the organization. They serve as a legal subject matter expert, guiding claims from inception through resolution, while balancing litigation risk, cost containment, and business objectives. They partner closely with the Company’s Chief Legal Officer and Deputy General Counsel, claims professionals, business leaders, and external stakeholders and external counsel, to drive efficient, defensible outcomes. They bring strong litigation judgment, deep knowledge of trucking accident law, and the ability to independently manage a diverse caseload. This is an opportunity to leverage trial and litigation experience in a collaborative, growth and transformation-oriented business. Responsibilities Direct end-to-end management of all liability claims, including first-party and third-party commercial auto, bodily injury, property damage, cargo loss, and general liability matters. Lead and coach a team of Claims Adjusters in the daily investigation and evaluation of claims involving accidents, freight/cargo loss, property damage, etc. Develop and implement claims handling protocols, reserving philosophies, and litigation management strategies. Establish and enforce timely investigation standards, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations (FMCSA, DOT). Identify trends in claims frequency and severity and present data-driven recommendations to senior leadership. Manage trucking and transportation-related claims from initial assignment through final resolution. Evaluate liability, damages, causation, and exposure in complex truck accident claims, including catastrophic injury and fatality matters. Develop and execute litigation strategies aligned with organizational risk tolerance and financial objectives and work with outside counsel in all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, hearings, mediations, and trials. Represent the organization in settlement negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings. Provide legal analysis and strategic recommendations to claims professionals regarding claim valuation, reserving, and resolution strategy. Identify early resolution opportunities and recommend cost‑effective settlement strategies where appropriate. Retain, manage, and oversee outside counsel, experts, and vendors, including budgeting, performance, and outcome evaluation. Own the claims budget, including reserve adequacy, allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE), and vendor spend Collaborate with actuaries and underwriters at renewal to support accurate loss projections and program structuring Drive outcomes that reduce total cost of risk (TCOR) year-over-year. Monitor and interpret legal, regulatory, and case law developments impacting trucking and transportation claims. Collaborate cross‑functionally with claims, risk management, and leadership teams to support overall business goals. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and internal policies. Maintain accurate, timely documentation within claims and legal management systems. Support internal training, knowledge sharing, and process improvement initiatives related to transportation claims. All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs. Qualifications Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Certification/Licensure: Board Certification in Truck Accident Law approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and offered through the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) preferred, Active license to practice law in good standing (or ability to obtain licensure as required for the role). Significant experience working with trucking/transportation claims; experience at a transportation or trucking accident law firm, with direct responsibility for litigating truck accident claims preferred Demonstrated expertise in trucking and transportation law, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) regulations, liability analysis, and complex injury claims. Proven litigation experience handling matters from pre‑suit investigation through trial or resolution. Strong analytical, negotiation, and legal judgment skills, with the ability to balance legal risk and business considerations. Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders. Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information. Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.). Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events. WHAT WE OFFER Compensation: Competitive base pay based on experience, industry/geographic benchmarks and internal equity. Some positions may be eligible for incentive pay programs and/or equity-based incentives. Pay ranges published on job boards are not provided nor verified by the Company. Health: Medical and Pharmacy insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Vision; Dental; Life and Disability; Critical Illness; Accident Indemnity; Hospital Indemnity; On-demand telehealth via Teladoc; Employee Assistance Program (counseling and financial/lifestyle coaching). Wealth: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match; Employee stock purchase program; Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Commuter Benefits; LegalEASE legal coverage. Time: 7 paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) tiers ranging from 10–25 days annually. Culture: A collaborative, transformation-driven, solutions-first environment full of "can do" attitude and "will do" work ethic. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Agencies: The Company does not accept unsolicited outreach from third parties. Absent an agreement signed by internal Talent Acquisition and Procurement, and a documented request from Talent Acquisition to submit candidates for a specified requisition, we will not approve payments to any third party. Work Authorization: Within the United States, the Company is an E-Verify employer. Unless otherwise indicated, U.S.-based workers must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, including but not limited to F-1, H-1, H-2, L, J, and TN visas, etc. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): The Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer . Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. Reasonable Accommodations: Physical/mental requirements are listed only to identify where potential accommodations may be needed, not as qualification standards. In compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including ADA, ADEA, and FMLA), accommodations may be available to qualified individuals unable to perform essential duties without them. Additional requirements may apply to meet legal, regulatory, and Company standards. Recruitment Fraud: We will only contact you from @forwardair.com or @omnilogistics.com emails (system messages may come from @workflow.email.us-phoenix-1.ocs.oraclecloud.com). If reached via Indeed or LinkedIn, verify recruiters by reviewing their LinkedIn profiles. We will never request sensitive personal information outside secure systems, nor ask for purchases. Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission and your state Attorney General . #J-18808-Ljbffr Forward Air Corp.