Primary Position Objective:

Under general supervision, manages the NJ PIP/Subrogation Staff Counsel office relating to the defense and prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of GEICO in suit or arbitration, filed in arbitration forums as well as courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.

Essential Functions:

• Manages subordinates in all activities relating to the defense and prosecution of PIP and Subrogation lawsuits on behalf of GEICO in PIP arbitration and suit. Must have appreciation for, and commitment to, delivery of the highest quality of legal work.

• Interviews and/or approves job applicants for employment. Conducts and/or reviews associate Performance Appraisals. Initiates or approves salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes. Counsels associates and takes disciplinary action or terminates the employment of associates as appropriate.

• Represents GEICO in arbitration and suits filed in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.

• Research laws and prepares legal briefs, arbitration submissions, opinions, and memoranda. Renders opinions on liability, damages, and value as requested by the Claims Department and/or other Departments. Prepares and Handles pleadings, motions, and discovery, to include depositions/examinations before trial and examinations under oath. Defends and prosecutes all assigned matters by trial, arbitration, or mediation, as applicable. Meets deadlines to respond to pleadings and correspondence; appears timely in court, arbitrations, depositions, meetings and other scheduled matters and ensures their staff also meets these requirements.

• Trains and supervises less experienced attorneys and support staff, including assisting attorneys as first and second chair counsel, and/or observing attorneys at trials and arbitrations; Monitors all applicable bar requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) requirements; Conducts file reviews and provides feedback on quality of file handling and expense management.

• Reviews office reports and implements changes to improve office statistics, including timeliness of reports to clients, productivity reports, client and claims survey results, and resolved ratio.

• Adheres to the GEICO Code of Conduct, company policies, and operating principles.

• Meets attendance standard of the business location to perform necessary job functions and to facilitate interaction with subordinates and management.

MEETS the requirements specified below.

• Must be able, with or without accommodation, to perform the essential functions which include, but are not limited to, thinking (concentrating, focusing, assimilating information), reading, writing, listening, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, lifting, and standing for extended periods.

• Must be able to travel as required, including but not limited, to attend trials, hearings, depositions, management meetings and conferences.

• Must be able to use a keyboard and a mouse.

• Must be able to access and utilize multiple pieces of office equipment that may require simultaneous use.

• Must be able to communicate in a professional manner in person, via telephone and written correspondence/email.

• Must be able to document files in a clear, concise, professional written manner, to be understood by customers, clients, co-workers and other employees of the organization.

• Must be able to follow complex instructions, resolve conflicts or facilitate conflict resolution, and have strong organization/priority setting and multi-tasking skills.

• Must be able to learn and apply large amounts of technical and procedural information.

• Must demonstrate successful performance in handling PIP trial responsibility for cases of significant severity and complexity.

Must have the following education and experience:

• Must be licensed in good standing to practice law in a state in which representation is required. Must meet and maintain licensing requirements including mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements where applicable.

• Must demonstrate strong legal acumen in NJ PIP and subrogation law and have a minimum of 7 years of litigation experience, including PIP, insurance defense, subrogation or personal injury.

• Must demonstrate strong leadership through mentoring and influencing skills.

• Must be a critical thinker and have high level of awareness and dedication to business initiatives and goals.

• Management experience preferred.

 

At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

 

Benefits:

As an Associate, you’ll enjoy our Total Rewards Program* to help secure your financial future and preserve your health and well-being, including:

• Premier Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with no waiting period**
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Parental Leave
• 401(k) Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Training and Licensures

*Benefits may be different by location.  Benefit eligibility requirements vary and may include length of service.

**Coverage begins on the date of hire. Must enroll in New Hire Benefits within 30 days of the date of hire for coverage to take effect.

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.