Sr. Trial Attorney

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you!

Job Description Summary

Seasoned litigation attorney with significant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. Maintains a high caseload comprised of a mix of cases varying in complexity, severity, product lines, and specialized concentrations, throughout all courts and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction(s). Predominantly represents both commercial and personal clients independently as lead counsel, but also as part of a larger team as needed. Forges strong, lasting, and influential relationships with colleagues, clients, and claims partners. Serves as a role model and mentor to other associates within the office.

Job Description

Reporting Relationships: Managing Trial Attorney

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directly represent, provide legal advice, and/or subject matter expertise, independently as lead counsel, or as part of a team, in accordance with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct and Nationwide Trial Division (NTD) best practices on all matters assigned.
• Possesses and consistently demonstrates the requisite trial advocacy skills, productivity, proactive case management, work ethic, and work product quality to properly and effectively handle all matters assigned in accordance with the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, Nationwide Trial Division (NTD) best practice guidelines, as well as claims and client expectations.
• Requires minimal managerial oversight and guidance from the Managing Trial Attorney (MTA) and NTD Leadership in all aspects of core duties and job responsibilities. Adept at effectively utilizing technology and collaboratively working with support staff to ensure efficient case management and productivity.
• Commitment to being consistently aware of changes to the law, technology, local rules and other procedural requirements, or other aspects of the legal and insurance industries likely to impact liability and recovery litigation strategies in the jurisdictions in which he/she practices.
• Possesses and consistently performs with the subject matter expertise and trial advocacy skills required and specified for all NTD concentrations held. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to develop and learn additional or new NTD concentrations as may be required based on NTD business needs and as specified by NTD Leadership.
• Consistently provides factually, legally, and analytically sound opinions on case valuations that are promptly updated and timely communicated to the client and claims.
• Independently establishes, fosters, and maintains strong professional relationships with key OCLO and Claims partners at the Sr. Director level and below, as well as with colleagues within the legal and insurance industries within those jurisdictions and communities in which he/she practices.
• Utilizes relationships to build and enhance NTD’s reputation and expand case referral opportunities within the Enterprise.
• Highly effective communicator; consistently and proactively identifying, understanding, and meeting client, claims, and internal NTD communication expectations (both written and oral), as well as those commonly expected within the jurisdictions and communities in which he/she practices.
• Serve as a mentor for junior attorneys and NTD staff providing guidance and training, as well as serving as role model in terms of engagement, coaching and feedback, productivity, attitude, and collaboration.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Skills and Experiences::

Education: JD Degree from an accredited law school. Maintains an active license in the state in which the position is located.

Designations: Currently licensed as an attorney in an appropriate U.S. jurisdiction.

Experience: Typically, more than 8 years of relevant civil litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation.

Knowledge: Has significant litigation experience in property and casualty insurance defense or subrogation. Engages in complex legal practices and procedures throughout all court and agencies in the assigned jurisdiction.

Skills/Competencies: Highly effective and professional written and verbal communication skills. Highly collaborative, capable to work with staff and other attorneys on-site and remotely, as well as serving as a role model and mentor to other associates within the office. Significant negotiation skills. Ability to process information efficiently and effectively. Excellent analytical and legal skills. Resourceful, creative thinker. Computer savvy with a working knowledge of basic software and use of same. Capable of adapting to changes in the law and changes to technology in the law and court systems (e.g. electronic filings, etc.) Strong time management and organization skills. Comfortable with contact with key OCLO and Claims partners at least at the Sr. Director level and below, as well as with colleagues within the legal and insurance industries within those jurisdictions and communities in which he/she practices. Decision making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations. Ability to initiate, organize and coordinate complex projects and cases. Leadership skills used in direct and/or indirect influencing such as motivating, problem solving, business strengthening and development with colleagues, clients, and claims partners.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values and Guiding Behaviors.

Staffing Exceptions to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by the: Legal Executive and Human Resources.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible (exempt)

Working Conditions: Generally, a normal office environment, but depending on the needs of the office the position may be staffed working from home. Frequent travel. Occasional overnight travel. Extended hours are often necessary to meet the demands of the profession.

Must also acknowledge and comply with all corporate and NTD policies and procedures.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities of this job, a valid credit check and/or background which will be requires as part of the selection process.

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