Coverage Counsel - Liability

The Liability Coverage Counsel will serve as a key legal and technical resource within the Claims division, providing guidance on complex insurance coverage matters involving commercial liability claims. Reporting to the Chief Claims Officer, this individual will partner closely with claims professionals, underwriting, product, and other internal stakeholders to evaluate coverage, interpret policy language, manage coverage disputes, and support the effective resolution of high-exposure and litigated claims. The ideal candidate will have significant experience analyzing coverage under Commercial General Liability, Excess/Umbrella Liability, Commercial Auto Liability, and Professional Liability policies. This role requires strong legal judgment, practical business acumen, and the ability to communicate complex coverage issues clearly to both legal and non-legal audiences. Qualifications and Experience Education: Juris Doctor (JD) required from an accredited law school Active license and good standing with at least one U.S. state bar. Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant legal experience involving insurance coverage, complex liability claims, or coverage litigation. Substantial experience analyzing Commercial General Liability and Excess/Umbrella Liability policies. Experience with additional commercial liability coverages, such as Commercial Auto Liability, Professional Liability, Errors and Omissions, or other specialty casualty products. Prior litigation experience with an outside law firm is required, preferably involving complex insurance coverage or commercial liability matters. Candidates should have firsthand experience developing case strategy, managing discovery and motion practice, participating in depositions and mediations, and negotiating resolutions. Strong knowledge of insurance policy interpretation, coverage litigation, claims-handling practices, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated experience drafting coverage opinions, reservation of rights letters, coverage position letters, and related legal correspondence. Experience managing outside counsel and overseeing complex or high-exposure litigation. Ability to evaluate complicated factual and legal issues, identify material risks, and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex matters in a deadline-driven environment. Primary Job Functions Provide legal guidance and strategic counsel on complex coverage matters arising from commercial liability claims. Review and interpret insurance policies, endorsements, applications, underwriting materials, and related documentation to assess coverage obligations. Prepare and review reservation of rights letters, coverage position letters, DISCLAIMERS, and other coverage-related correspondence. Advise claims professionals on coverage strategy, claim handling, litigation exposure, settlement considerations, and appropriate escalation of complex matters. Evaluate claims involving multiple policies, coverage layers, insurers, insureds, and potentially overlapping or competing coverage obligations. Provide guidance on priority of coverage, additional insured status, contractual indemnification, allocation, contribution, exhaustion, and excess or umbrella coverage issues. Manage or oversee declaratory judgment actions, coverage litigation, and other disputes involving policy interpretation or the company’s coverage obligations. Select, retain, and manage outside coverage counsel, including oversight of legal strategy, budgets, performance, and case outcomes. Participate in mediations, settlement conferences, and other dispute-resolution proceedings involving significant coverage issues. Partner with claims leadership on high-severity, complex, or sensitive matters, including claims with significant financial, regulatory, or reputational exposure. Collaborate with Underwriting and Product teams to provide claims-based insight regarding policy language, endorsements, emerging coverage issues, and potential areas of ambiguity. Monitor legal, regulatory, and industry developments affecting commercial liability coverage and communicate their potential impact to relevant stakeholders. Identify trends across claims and coverage disputes and recommend improvements to policy language, claims practices, documentation, and internal controls. Develop and deliver training to claims professionals and other business partners on coverage analysis, policy interpretation, litigation developments, and emerging risks. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of legal advice, coverage evaluations, litigation strategy, and material claim developments. Support audits, regulatory inquiries, and other internal or external reviews involving coverage-related matters. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Chief Claims Officer. The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. Skills and Competencies Preferred Qualifications Prior litigation experience with an outside law firm, preferably involving complex insurance coverage or commercial liability matters. Candidates should have firsthand experience developing case strategy, managing discovery and motion practice, participating in depositions and mediations, and negotiating resolutions. Prior in-house experience with an insurance carrier, managing general agent, third-party administrator, or other insurance organization a plus. Experience supporting claims involving multiple jurisdictions, policy years, coverage layers, or insurers. Familiarity with New York Labor Law claims, construction defect, bodily injury, property damage, professional liability, and other complex casualty exposures. Experience advising underwriting or product teams regarding policy language, endorsements, and coverage-related product development. Background handling declaratory judgment actions, allocation disputes, contribution matters, and disputes between primary and excess carriers. Core Competencies Insurance coverage analysis Commercial liability claims Policy interpretation Legal research and writing Complex claims consultation Risk assessment and judgment Outside counsel management Negotiation and dispute resolution Cross-functional collaboration Business and financial acumen Working Relationships This position reports directly to the Chief Claims Officer and works closely with Claims leadership, claim professionals, Underwriting, Product, Legal Compliance, and other internal business partners. the Liability Coverage Counsel will also manage relationships with outside counsel, insureds, brokers, and other external stakeholders as appropriate. Additional Information: Full benefit package including medical, dental, life, vision, company paid short/long term disability, 401(k), tuition assistance and more Internal Notice: As part of our commitment to talent development, this position is open for internal promotion applications at the time of public posting. #LI-Onsite Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fortegra