In-House Counsel Outside Litigation | Public Entity Pooling | Hybrid

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Designated Litigation Manager acts as the pool client representative, oversees the pool's liability program, ensures the application of management principles to the litigation process, and to Sedgwick pools' use of outside counsel. The role is responsible for strategy, planning, controlling, organizing, implementing, oversight, and monitoring in the context of legal services and related costs.

ARE YOU AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

Do you bring 8+ years of experience collaborating with outside counsel and claims examiners to oversee litigated claims? If you're an experienced litigator with superior presentation and diplomatic skills, this is an opportunity to work in a collaborative, non‑adversarial environment, working with outside counsel to strategically plan and facilitate the defense of public entities in Northern California.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

Analyzes inquiries and provides guidance related to memorandums of coverage, risk transfer, the litigation process, case strategy, and additional covered parties' issues. Reviews member contracts submitted to pool administration, prepares presentations on claims and issues of interest for meetings and/or strategic planning. Attends member meetings and introductions, addresses concerns involving members, third‑party administrators, or case development. Provides training materials and presentations for members and training sessions, and coordinates with the pool administrator on cases, claims, and messaging. Oversees the pool's liability program. Represents the pool in liability matters by participating in litigation proceedings as the representative of the pool; attends mock trials, focus groups, mediations, settlement conferences, and trials. Prepares claim processing instructions for use by the TPA, prepares and revises policies as necessary, conducts quarterly file reviews with the TPA, and provides feedback to the TPA on claim handling concerns. Reviews TPA recommendations on government claim actions, provides direction and recommendations on government claim responses; monitors the TPA for compliance with its contractual obligations, and annual memorandum of coverage (MOC) review. Reviews monthly financial and/or litigation reports from the TPA, conducts an annual review of the defense panel, updates the defense panel, communicates with the admin team regarding various litigation management, MOC, or member issues; responds to audits. Attends meetings of the pool's committees related to claims matters, litigation and MOC, attends meetings of the pool's board of directors, and attends meetings of the pool's committees related to claims, oversight, or governance. Ensures application of management principles to the litigation process and the use of outside counsel. Responsible for the early assignment of defense counsel (DC) to high-exposure incidents upon notification and to board and pool administration of potential high-exposure losses; coordinates with members, TPA, reinsurers, excess carriers, and defense counsel on strategy and experts. Reviews information to evaluate cases, including police and investigation reports; receives and reviews incoming Defense Counsel status reports; communicates with defense counsel and prepares communications regarding further strategy. Receives and reviews pleadings and discovery; researches and reviews available tools for valuation, recommends consultants, assesses alternative dispute resolution options, determines desired course of action for case disposition. Manages the pool's litigation and legal claims via prelitigation management and the management of litigated matters. Performs preliminary review of new matters for coverage and coordination with coverage or board counsel. Reviews litigation budget and initial reserves. Provides presentation and discussion of case-specific information to the pool's applicable committee or board for informational purposes, or to obtain settlement authority or approval; offers strategic direction and decision‑making at trial when required; monitors trials and provides feedback and recommendations to trial counsel. Position Approval: Appointment to position of Litigation Manager pursuant to the Pool's governing documents.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing: Eight (8) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university required. Current license(s) to practice law in the pool's jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Skills & Knowledge: Knowledge of the litigation and trial process in the pool's jurisdiction. Working knowledge of discovery process, evidentiary rules, and civil procedure. Sufficient knowledge to assess the performance of counsel at trial. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills. PC literacy, including Microsoft Office products. Analytical and interpretive skills. Strong organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent negotiating skills. Ability to create and complete comprehensive, accurate and constructive written reports. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to meet or exceed performance competencies.

TAKING CARE OF YOU

Flexible work schedule. Referral incentive program. Career development and promotional growth opportunities. A diverse and comprehensive benefits offering including medical, dental, vision, 401K on day one.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations. Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work‑related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines. Sit for extended periods (up to eight hours) in non‑office settings (such as courtroom galleries), computer keyboarding, travel as required. Hearing, vision and talking. Compensation: For the jurisdiction noted in this job posting only, the range of starting pay for this role is $150,000 to $160,000 USD annual salary. Bonus eligible role. A comprehensive benefits package is offered including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k and matching, PTO, disability and life insurance, employee assistance, flexible spending or health savings account, and other additional voluntary benefits. Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug‑Free Workplace. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable Fair Chance ordinances and laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr NACBA