Vice President – Claims & Regulatory Counsel

IAT Insurance Group has an immediate opening for an AVP, Claims & Regulatory Counsel in the Claims Legal Department that can be located in Naperville, Illinois; Alpharetta, Georgia, or Raleigh, North Carolina.  This management role will oversee a team of in-house attorneys and support both the Property and Casualty Claims Department in the handling of extra-contractual litigation against the company arising from first-party property and third-party liability claims.  Specifically, this role manages a team of attorneys tasked with overseeing litigation that has significant financial exposure under our commercial and homeowner’s property policies, commercial transportation policies, and general liability policies.  The role also ensures compliance with federal state, and local regulations, monitors audits and regulatory proceedings, and provides guidance to various departments concerning regulatory requirements.  The ideal candidate for this role will be a highly experienced coverage attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree and extensive experience handling first-party and third-party claims and litigation on a nationwide basis.

The role works a hybrid schedule from an IAT Office in Raleigh, North Carolina, Alpharetta, Georgia, or Naperville, Illinois.  The hybrid schedule reflects our values (thinking and acting like an owner, collaboration, and teamwork) as it requires working from the office with colleagues and other disciplines Monday through Wednesday, with the option of working Thursday and Friday remotely.

Key Responsibilities:

• A dedicated legal advisor and leader managing a team of in-house attorneys tasked with overseeing litigation against the Company, providing legal guidance, coverage opinions, and strategic recommendations to first- and third-party Claims and Underwriting business units, including Homeowners, Commercial Property, Commercial Transportation, General Liability, Excess and Surplus Lines, Aviation, and Management Liability.
• Serve as in-house counsel responsible for overseeing and driving successful outcomes for the Company in extra-contractual litigation, Declaratory Judgment actions, rescission lawsuits, and various other coverage disputes.   
• Serve as in-house counsel responsible for responding to Legal and Regulatory Matters for Property and Casualty Claims.
• Provide legal advice and regulatory opinions to be used by Claims, Underwriting, and other internal business partners.
• Advise Claims and Underwriting of statutory and legal developments and emerging trends impacting the insurance industry regulations and Department of Insurance mandates.
• Team Management: Management role working in a congenial and collaborative team environment.  Demonstrate agile leadership that quickly responds to dynamic changes in insurance risk management.
• Litigation: Oversee a team of in-house attorneys and outside counsel to develop litigation strategies in defense of the Company and drive favorable outcomes in nationwide extra-contractual lawsuits.
• Legal Advisor: Collaborate with other members of the Legal Department, internal business leaders, and insurance professionals to tackle complex legal and coverage questions.  Develop creative and effective legal strategies that support business goals and initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure Company compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.  Stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that may affect the Company, its claims handling, and business practices.
• Policy Development: Work in conjunction with other leaders in the Legal Department to develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies and procedures.
• Training and Education: Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on compliance-related topics and promote a culture of compliance within the Company.
• Audits and Assessments: When necessary, interface with internal and external stakeholders to respond to Department of Insurance and other regulatory audits and requests for information.  Oversee regulatory audits and Department of Insurance on-site meetings.  Communicate any regulatory findings and directives to senior management.
• Department of Insurance Complaints: Work collaboratively with adjusters, Managers, and Claims Leaders to ensure the Company timely and accurately responds to Department of Insurance Complaints lodged by policyholders.
• Reporting: Prepare and present reports to senior management.  Maintain accurate records of coverage, litigation and compliance activities and findings.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including Claims, Underwriting, HR, and Operations to ensure a cohesive approach to coverage, litigation, compliance challenges.
• Assist Claims and other business units in their handling of claims and litigation in compliance with Claims Best Practices to ensure claim handling discipline and superior Quality Review and Audit scores, including timely coverage reviews and coverage correspondence.
• Provide opinions and legal guidance to Property and Casualty Claims regarding coverage disputes, extra-contractual claims, declaratory judgment actions, and claims best practices requirements.
• Manage claims systems and data for accurate and timely reporting.
• Assist Claims Leadership by identifying litigation trends, providing legal updates and training regarding emerging policies, cases, statutes, and regulations impacting the insurance industry.
• Perform other legal and litigation duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must Have:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
• At least 10 years of relevant legal experience focused on Coverage and Extra-Contractual Litigation.
• Extensive experience serving as lead counsel defending insurers, managing litigation dockets, and advising on complex claim disputes and coverage issues with sole or primary responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Experience handling coverage disputes involving first-party property and/or third-party liability claims with an exposure of $500,000 or more including both primary and excess losses.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the insurance industry.
• Experience working in-house with an insurance company a plus.
• Must have State Bar License that is in good standing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set priorities and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel if required.
• To qualify, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require VISA sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment purposes.

Preferred to Have:

• Proficiency in compliance software and tools, including tools used for ISO reporting and Medicare reporting preferred.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.

Compensation:

Please note, that the annual gross salary range associated with this posting is $112,820 – $245,610. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base salary for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and geographical location related to this specific role. The total compensation will include a base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, 401(K) match, profit-sharing opportunities, and more. 

To view details of our full benefits, please visit https://www.iatinsurancegroup.com/careers/benefits

IAT Insurance Group is the largest private, family-owned property and casualty insurer in the U.S. Insurance Answers Together® is how we define IAT, in letter and in spirit. We work together to provide solutions for people and businesses. We collaborate internally and with our partners to provide the best possible insurance and surety options for our customers.

At IAT, we’re committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture for all. Our employees propel IAT forward – driving innovation, stable partnerships and growth. That’s why we continue to build an engaging workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.