Law Clerk I

Job Description

• Performs the initial review of claims for eligibility and/or compensation, with a focus on Eligibility Decisions and Non-Economic Loss Awards.
• Reviews claim file contents by checking the file against a checklist of documentation requirements.
• Reviews information submitted by claimants and performs analysis of claims to ascertain legal sufficiency.
• Identifies missing information and formulates appropriate requests to claimants or their counsel for additional submissions.
• Identifies areas requiring further review and/or additional information.
• Researches the appropriate mechanisms to perfect insufficient claims.
• Consults with and obtains guidance and approval by team leaders to resolve any questions or concerns that may arise regarding the appropriate determination on a claim.
• Applies appropriate discretion as circumscribed by, and in accordance with, established policies and standard operating procedures, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of policies and internal claim review guidance.
• Proactively communicates with claimants and claimants’ attorneys to clarify issues relating to claims and ensures the complete information is provided.
• Provides guidance to claimants’ legal representatives about VCF policies, procedures, and operations.
• Effectively manages queue to ensure prompt follow up on claims after required time period, prompt action on newly assigned claims, and to meet goals established for quantity and quality of claims produced.
• If asked about status of claim in queue by managers or VCF attorneys, is able to provide status of any claim in their queue.
• Accurately and completely documents activities and conversations in Claim Notes in accordance with VCF policy and effectively uses the Claims Management System for all aspects of claim review, including generating correspondence.
• Draft well-written and complete recommendations for the consideration of the Special Master about the appropriate disposition of claims, including the determination of Eligibility and the amount of Non-Economic Loss should be awarded.

Required:

• Requires Law degree, or currently attending an ABA-accredited law school, having completed at least one year of study or equivalent level of legal training or experience or an equivalent level of education may be substituted.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain MRPT facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for MRPT facility credentials/authorization at this work location.
• Experience in government programs or litigation support preferred.
• Prior experience preferred in proven capabilities and communication skills to successfully interact with clients and attorneys.
• Experience in reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing claims, with the ability to apply established criteria to determine legal sufficiency.
• Experience in analyzing and organizing documents for supporting evidence and determining mechanisms to perfect insufficient claims.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including experience working with the public (claimants) and with external attorneys (claimants’ legal representatives).
• Excellent research and writing skills, demonstrated experience working with complex statutory and regulatory schemes, and flexibility and creativity in the application of existing policies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Requires sound working knowledge of federal and state court systems, legal research procedures, and legal research resources, such as LexisNexis or Westlaw.
• Must have hands-on familiarity with a variety of computer applications, including word processing, databases (such as document review and file management systems), spreadsheets, and imaging
• Strong Excel skills with experience using complex workbooks.

*Employees will earn H&W dollars per eligible hour (including vacation and holiday up to 40 hours/week). H&W monies are used to offset the employer’s cost of benefits the employee elects into and/or utilizes. Any remaining health and welfare monies after all applicable deductions would be cashed out to the employee on a 1 pay period lag.  

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits yo