Senior Claims Legal Counsel

Overview

IAT Insurance Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Claims Legal Counsel in the Legal Department. The role can be based in Alpharetta, GA; Raleigh, NC; Scottsdale, AZ, or remote. It supports both the Property and Casualty Claims Department in handling extra‑contractual litigation against the company arising from first‑party property and third‑party liability claims.

The position manages litigation with significant financial exposure under our commercial, homeowner’s property, commercial transportation, and general liability policies, and provides insurance coverage opinions and policy recommendations for Claims and Underwriting. The ideal candidate is an experienced coverage attorney or claims professional with a Juris Doctorate and extensive experience handling first‑party and third‑party claims and litigation nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as in‑house counsel responsible for responding to legal matters for Property and Casualty Claims.
• Work with IAT’s Legal Department to develop company‑wide coverage positions and litigation and resolution strategies for extra‑contractual suits filed against the company.
• Direct and manage the assigned caseload of litigated files involving extra‑contractual lawsuits and declaratory judgment actions.
• Analyze and provide formal opinions on coverage and legal issues for multiple product lines, including Property, Casualty, and Specialty Claims.
• Assign outside counsel to represent the company in claims‑related litigation in compliance with company guidelines.
• Oversee and direct outside counsel retained to represent the company.
• Prepare written coverage determinations, including reservation of rights letters and denial of coverage letters, for claims involving complex or novel coverage issues.
• Act as an internal in‑house legal resource for the claims department.
• Negotiate and authorize appropriate settlements within designated authority in extra‑contractual lawsuits filed against the company.
• Prepare case summary reports for review with management.
• Attend mediations, settlement conferences, court hearings, and trials.
• Conduct legal research regarding emerging and novel insurance‑related statutes, laws, and appellate decisions impacting company‑wide claims and underwriting business units.
• Handle and respond to Claims Legal Referrals submitted by the company‑wide claims organization.
• Oversee, track, and offer guidance to Claims regarding extra‑contractual litigation against the company.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• At least 5 years of related experience as in‑house counsel or in private legal practice.
• Must have a state bar license that is in good standing.
• Must have experience working with the insurance industry.
• Must have insurance coverage experience.
• Coverage experience related to first‑party, third‑party auto/bodily injury, and homeowners property is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, in a collaborative manner, and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines.
• To qualify, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require, now or in the future, visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

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.

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