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We are Farmers!

We are… more than just your favorite commercials. At Farmers, we strive to deliver peace of mind to our customers by providing protection and comprehensive advice and delivering in the moments of truth. That means having people who can help us meet changing customer and business needs. Farmers high-performance culture is focused on results and the people who achieve them. We hold ourselves and others accountable for sustainably growing the business and each other. We seek solutions, own our actions, and grow through discomfort. We see setbacks as opportunities while continuously asking ourselves how we impact our customers.

Farmers is an award winning, equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of a diverse workforce. We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our people through our extensive suite of benefits, as well as the well-being of the communities we serve through employee volunteer programs and nonprofit partnerships. Helping others in their time of need isn’t just our business – it’s our culture! To learn more about our high-performance culture and open opportunities, check out www.Farmers.com/careers/corporate and be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Workplace: On-site ( ), Hybrid ( ), Remote ( )

Farmers believes in a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, which thrives when we have the ability to work flexibly in a virtual setting as well as the opportunity to be together in person. Our hybrid work environment combines the best of both worlds with at least three (3) days in office and up to two (2) days virtual for employees who live within fifty (50) miles of a Farmers corporate office. Applicants beyond fifty (50) miles may still be considered.

Job Summary

The Claims Coverage & Research Director, which reports to the Head of Claims Legal Services, will advise, lead and manage a team of Claims Coverage Attorneys experienced in handling both first and third-party matters, who oversee coverage matters for multiple lines including commercial, auto, homeowner and specialty. In addition to being responsible for allocating attorney assignments, scheduling and reviews, also oversees the development and evaluation of department processes, budget and cost analyses, and metrics which includes tracking inter-departmental volume, workflow, cycle time, individual assignments, supplemental opinions, panel referrals, LOB and territory, and coordinating research projects on behalf of clients. Identifies, retains and monitors panel counsel and analyzes their work product to ensure quality of research and writing is consistent with the department’s prior legal decisions. Implements directives and strategies related to budgeting, hiring, and management to ensure department is aligned with organizational initiatives. Provides expert legal advice to senior executives on risks to the Claims organization. High degree of organization and efficiency with demonstrated attention to detail.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees the selection, training and evaluation of department attorneys.
• Establishes goals and objectives, assists and collaborates with, and provides direction and feedback to attorneys’ and monitors progress towards set goals and objectives.
• Ability to distill and articulate complex legal concepts into clear and crisp plain English that clients can readily understand and apply.
• Work with clients proactively to identify risks and ensure appropriate risk mitigation strategies are employed.
• Responsible for ensuring that legal advice provided to clients is handled in a consistent, efficient and effective manner that meets or exceeds department goals.
• Tracks work product created by the department, including opinions and memoranda, training materials, and written guidance.
• Creates a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, cooperation and collaboration utilizing roundtable meetings on high value and complex issues, providing constructive feedback, and rewards and recognition.
• Communicates and oversees implementation of strategic and broader enterprise objectives.
• Provides consistent, effective and timely communication of legal and strategic advice, and pragmatic solutions to clients in the Claims department, LOB leaders and senior executives regarding coverage, litigation and claims-handling matters to reduce litigation, customer complaints, and compliance issues.
• Works with stakeholders and business partners to establish and refine their departments’ objectives, standards and practices. As the primary contact for CCRU, collaborates with clients and non-Claims departments on their initiatives and projects by assessing potential risks and legal challenges and assisting in developing appropriate mitigation plans.
• Works closely with the Head of Claims Legal Services in evaluating and reporting department metrics, trends and analytics. Accountable for analyzing processes and data within the CCRU group to determine, improve, implement and recommend strategies that increase efficiencies, productivity and quality as well as to reduce risks and costs within the department. This includes implementing processes to review and approve requests for legal advice, referrals to outside counsel by the LOBs, recommendations for the initiation of litigation, and the review, approval and management of outside panel counsel and approved legal fees.
• Responsible for managing requests for legal advice from the LOBs and overseeing assignments to CCRU and outside counsel. Oversees the selection and management of panel coverage counsel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree required and law school degree (J.D.) from an ABA or SBA accredited law school as well as member in good standing of a State Bar.

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of experience as an attorney handling matters involving complex insurance coverage, disputes and litigation and/or financial risk.
• 8+ years of experience drafting and advising on complex property coverage opinions.
• 3 years prior management experience and an ability to lead in a team-based environment is preferred.
• Excellent written, oral and presentation communication skills.
• Collaborative working style with demonstrated commitment to meeting team goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to network and influence others.
• Ability to maintain and promote relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

Physical Environment

Required job duties are primarily sedentary work consisting of occasional walking, standing and lifting and/or carrying 25 lbs. maxi mum, bending, talking, hearing, driving, seeing, speaking and traveling.

Benefits

• Farmers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
• CA Only: $149,120 - $237,600
• CO Only: $139,840 - $205,040
• HI Only: $139,840 - $219,340
• IL Only: $139,840 - $219,340
• NY/ DC Only: $139,840 - $237,600
• Albany County: $149,120 - $205,040
• WA Only: $139,840 - $249,250
• Paid Time Off
• For more information, review “What we offer” on https://www.farmers.com/careers/corporate/#offer

Job Location(s): R_US - United States

Anticipated application deadline: At Farmers, the recruitment process is designed to ensure that we find the best talent to join our team. As part of this process, we typically close open positions within 8 to 21 days after posting. If you are interested in any of our open positions, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.

Want to learn more about our culture & opportunities? Check out www.Farmers.com/careers/corporate and be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.