Senior Associate - Workers’ Compensation Staff Counsel

Amerisure creates exceptional value for its partners, policyholders, and employees. As a property and casualty insurance company, Amerisure’s promise to our partner agencies and policyholders begins with a comprehensive line of insurance products designed to protect businesses, as well as the health and safety of every employee. With an A.M. Best “A” (Excellent) rating, Amerisure serves mid-sized commercial enterprises focused in construction, manufacturing and healthcare. Ranked as one of the top 100 Property & Casualty companies in the United States, we proudly manage nearly $1 Billion of Direct Written Premium and maintain $1.21 billion in surplus.

Amerisure is adding to staff and recruiting for a Senior Associate, Workers’ Compensation Staff Counsel to join our team in Tampa, FL. This position will be hybrid working 3 days in the office and 2 from home. 

Position Summary:

As part of Amerisure’s staff counsel operation, this role will be responsible for managing a caseload of moderately complex workers’ compensation defense matters in Florida.  This role is responsible for responsible for ensuring best-in-class trial strategy, litigation outcomes, and client service.

Responsibilities:

• Handle all phases of a petition for benefits (strategy, , discovery, depositions, hearings, and post‑hearing follow‑through) to ensure (i) strategic alignment, (ii) optimal outcomes, and (iii) early resolution, when appropriate.

• Analyze complex legal and factual issues and conduct thorough research to develop and execute effective defense strategies.
• Independently prepare and present witnesses and evidence at hearings and/or mediations.
• Prepare for and attend hearings, depositions, and appeals as assigned.
• Provide clear and timely communication and legal guidance to clients and claims professionals as appropriate.
• Apply strong independent judgment, analytical skills, and litigation experience to drive optimal case outcomes.
• Partner with Claims on strategy, escalation points, and settlement objectives.
• Collaborate with Claims to develop and implement service strategies that meet or exceed the service levels committed to agents and policyholders.
• Communicate with the OJCC, witnesses, opposing counsel and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Ensure cases progress efficiently, managing workload to achieve timely resolutions.
• Participate in continuing legal education to stay current with insurance law, trends, and industry developments.
• Ensure full compliance with all ethical, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience handling the defense of workers’ compensation claims including significant first-chair hearing experience.
• Deep understanding of Florida workers’ compensation law and defense strategy.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills; adept at negotiation and courtroom presentation.
• Ability to think strategically with supporting analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated successful ability to build positive partnerships and work collaboratively with cross-functional business teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Proficient  with Microsoft Office, LexisNexis, AI, workflow creation, and case-management systems.
• Maintains independence and ethical clarity.
• Ability to travel overnight and locally up to 20%.

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Just as we are committed to creating exceptional value for our Partners For Success® agencies and policyholders, Amerisure also remains committed to being an employer of choice. We reinforce this commitment by adhering to an Employee Value Proposition that, in part, is provided through a competitive total rewards package. This package includes competitive base pay, performance-based incentive pay, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) savings plan with profit sharing, and generous paid time off programs. We also offer flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance. Recognized as one of the Best and Brightest® Companies to Work For in the Nation and one of Business Insurance magazine’s Best Places to Work in Insurance, we provide a workplace that fosters excellence and professional growth. If you are looking for a collaborative and rewarding career, Amerisure is looking for you.

Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  Amerisure provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Amerisure complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in all locations where the company operates.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.   Amerisure prohibits harassment or discrimination of any kind and is committed to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Amerisure prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination, participates in an investigation, or opposes unlawful practices. Any improper interference with an employee’s ability to perform their job duties may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.