Claims Attorney

Company DescriptionThe Bar Plan, based in St. Louis, Missouri, provides solo, small, and mid-sized law firms with lawyers’ professional liability insurance, risk management resources, award-winning CLE programming, and other essential insurance and practice management services.The Bar Plan was created in response to a crisis in the lawyers’ professional liability insurance market. When carriers began leaving the market, The Missouri Bar recognized the need for a stable, financially secure source of malpractice coverage for Missouri attorneys. Established to meet that need, The Bar Plan now proudly serves attorneys in Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, and Tennessee.Role DescriptionThe Claims Attorney will interpret policy language, assess coverage issues, and provide legal guidance to upper management. This role involves developing claim strategies, negotiating settlements, and overseeing outside counsel.Key ResponsibilitiesClaims ManagementDetermine insurance coverage issues and advise the Claims Committee regarding coverage decisions.Investigate new claims.Develop claim resolution strategies, including negotiation of claims.Assign defense counsel to claims.Review and approve defense counsel fees and expenses.Prepare reports and supervise defense counsel throughout litigation.Travel to attend mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, trials, and depositions as needed.Review, estimate, recommend, and establish case reserves in assigned claims files for probable expense and indemnity payments.Provide risk management advice to insureds.Education & InformationWrite articles for bar-related publications.Discuss legal issues with claims department members to identify claim solutions.Keep the Vice President of Claims informed of all significant developments on assigned claims, particularly matters involving high exposure or coverage issues.Continue professional education in relevant areas of law affecting claims handled by The Bar Plan.Prepare reports for the Claims Committee, reinsurers, and other stakeholders as needed.Refer insureds to Risk Management, The Missouri Bar, and other appropriate resources.Support company goals related to file count, expense control, etc.Assist with Risk Management presentations as needed.Salary$100,000-$110,000 annuallyBenefitsHealth insurance (majority of employee premium paid by the company)Dental insurance (100% of employee premium paid by the company)Vision insurance (majority of premium paid by the company)401(k) with company contributionsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Generous paid time off, including sick timeHybrid work environment