Claims Principal - Litigation (Corporate Representative)

Company Description

Searching for a place to make your mark? Every great team depends on the individual contributions of its members – the skills, talents and the passion that each team member brings. At Citizens, we’re building a workforce of top achievers committed to our company’s mission and vision. Our company values the knowledge that comes from experienced and dedicated individuals with a variety of backgrounds, in or out of insurance.

Citizens’ Mission is to provide property insurance protection in Florida to those who are, in good faith, unable to obtain coverage through the private market while also providing the utmost in customer service. Our Values are public service, integrity, respect, responsiveness and sound judgment. We strive to not only provide affordable insurance products and services but also to provide sound financial responsibility to the citizens of Florida.

 At Citizens, we are a team of dedicated, service-minded professionals committed to our policyholders. Come achieve and maximize your potential with us!

Job Description

This position is responsible for providing corporate representative testimony on behalf of Citizens by signing affidavits, attending hearings, testifying in depositions and at trial for litigated matters. Duties may also include attending mediations, site inspections, managing defense counsel performance and providing oversight to litigated matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: THE FOLLOWING ARE THE USUAL, BASIC, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION. THESE FUNCTIONS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED.

• Models ethical behavior and executes job responsibilities in accordance with Citizens core values, ethics, and information protection policies.
• Attends and represents Citizens as its corporate representative (or other representative capacity) at depositions, mediations, arbitrations, pre-trials, trials and all other legal proceedings, as needed. Defend, negotiate and/or settle claims in accordance with CPIC Litigated BCP’s.
• Assist Management with the creation of strategic initiatives and the implementation of core litigation defense. Must become proficient in all Citizens insurance policies and coverages.
• Monitor assigned lawsuits and oversees the timely disposition of litigated claims. Document all relevant information in the electronic claims management system. Maintain effective diary management system to ensure that assigned claims are handled timely.
• Conducts coverage analysis based on application of policy information, facts, or allegations of each case. Verifies the nature and extent of property damage by obtaining and reviewing appropriate records and damages documentation.
• Participate in CAT response, training, and other duties as assigned or with other business units as needed. May coach, counsel, or train less experienced staff, may also direct the work of others, may provide input regarding performance management, goal setting and review process. Provide oversight and direction of contingent workers. 

Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of legal procedures and practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, internet research tools preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida Rules of Evidence, especially as related to corporate representative depositions.
• Knowledge of P and C claims litigation.
• Proficiency in homeowners’ insurance policies and coverage.
• Effectively communicate and summarize complex lawsuits.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate insurance policy contracts and state statutes as applicable to litigated claims.
• Demonstrated ability to research, conduct proactive investigations and negotiate successful resolutions.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities effectively.
• Results driven with strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to testify in legal proceedings.
• Overnight travel may be required as necessary.
• Display exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills including excellent writing skills.
• Flexibility to work nontraditional hours when preparing and attending trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Demonstrated customer service focus/superior customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact on a professional level with internal and external personnel including agents, policy holders, Claims unit personnel, external and internal stakeholders, and others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Collaborative partner: ability to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Effective negotiator.