Claims Counsel - Surety
Skyward Service · Remote · $155,000–$175,000 (stated in the posting)
This position is responsible for managing complex surety claims and providing legal support to underwriting and business leadership. Success requires strong surety claims experience, legal judgment, business acumen, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced remote environment.
Responsibilities –
- Independently adjust claims on complex contract and commercial surety bonds in multiple jurisdictions in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.
- Select, retain, and manage outside surety claims counsel and related resources (including consultants, accountants, expert witnesses, etc.) to effectuate best possible claim outcomes.
- Set well-reasoned reserves and control claims-handling costs and expenses
- Attend meditations, arbitrations and trials as needed and appropriate.
- Draft claim reports for UW & management.
- Assist in the creation or revision of surety claim and/or underwriting forms and documents as may be necessary.
- Assist underwriters with the “front end” of surety transactions, for example by drafting indemnity, collateral, and related agreements, and/or reviewing or manuscripting bond forms, in a fast-paced environment with short turn-around times.
- Develop legal resource and training materials for Skyward Surety.
- Provide education and training to surety underwriting (and other selected company staff) on key legal issues involving surety bonds and claims, including “lessons learned” from past surety claim experiences and outcomes.
- Research, analyze, and provide timely updates on legal developments in the surety field.
- Promote a culture of personal responsibility, accountability and open communication.
- Ensure fair and ethical policies and practices in all relationships and operations.
- Other duties that may be assigned as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2+ years’ experience in surety bond claims handling.
- Prior experience "in-house" in the surety claims department of an insurance company, is preferred.
- J.D. from an ABA accredited law school required
- State Claims Adjuster license strongly preferred
- Past or present membership in ABA/TIPS/FSLC a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $155,000 - $175,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. In addition to the base salary, this opportunity may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401k savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance.
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