Job Details
Claims Attorney
The Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund (PLF) is hiring a full-time claims attorney to join our Claims Department. The PLF is the mandatory provider of primary legal malpractice coverage for Oregon lawyers in private practice. The PLF also offers additional malpractice coverage for law firms above primary limits on an optional, underwritten basis. PLF claims attorneys manage a caseload of lawyer professional liability claims and work with covered attorneys and outside counsel on a broad range of matters involving lawyer professional liability.
Who We’re Looking For
The claims attorney position combines some of the best aspects of private practice with the service mentality of a mission-driven organization. In this role, you will spend considerable time immersed in working autonomously on your own assigned files, yet also keeping abreast of the claims issues and trends facing your colleagues and the Claims Department in general. Our ideal candidate enjoys sifting through the procedural timeline of a case to discern the relevant facts but is equally adept at conversing with outside counsel or covered attorneys about broad strategic direction for a particular matter. Your litigation experience, knowledge of professional liability and/or insurance defense issues, and network of connections within the Oregon legal community allow you to effectively analyze and address claims against lawyers involving a broad array of legal issues and a wide range of practice areas. You are a willing team member, eager to offer support and contribute to the success of the department and the PLF. Beyond the intellectual satisfaction you derive from your work, you truly appreciate the opportunity to achieve a good result for your covered attorneys and are proud to be part of an organization with a service ethic and an established place in the legal profession.If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. You will be joining a team of committed professionals in a supportive, affirming workplace.
What We Offer
We are pleased to state that the hiring range for this position is $126,880 – $158,558. We also offer an excellent benefits package, including participation in the Oregon PERS/OPSRP retirement program, health insurance, and other benefits.
This position is based at the PLF office in Tigard with a hybrid remote work setup and may involve some travel, primarily in Oregon.
What You’ll Do
As a PLF claims attorney, you will almost immediately begin training to support the Oregon legal community in the following ways:
- Investigating, evaluating, and administering claims and potential claims against covered attorneys
- Reviewing the terms and conditions of applicable PLF coverage plans and analyzing potential coverage issues
- Working with covered attorneys throughout the claims process; conferring about options, possible strategies, appropriate courses of action, and the handling and desired resolution of claims
- Retaining outside counsel or other experts to assist in evaluating and defending claims, attempting repairs, and representing covered attorneys in discovery matters
- Managing relationships and direction of outside counsel, including defining the scope of the assignment, requesting reports at periodic intervals, authorizing work and staffing, communicating regarding settlement, participating in significant litigation events, and ensuring adequate representation
- Negotiating settlements with opposing counsel or claimants’ counsel and obtaining any necessary settlement authority
- Answering informational calls from lawyers who have questions or concerns about a mistake or potential mistake in the course of representation
- Assisting covered attorneys in navigating issues such as client confidentiality and privilege; dealing with challenging clients; disclosure of malpractice or potential malpractice; and proper withdrawal or termination of representation
- Communicating strategically, effectively, and empathetically with covered attorneys during times of heightened stress or crisis; connecting covered attorneys with other appropriate resources and support
- Maintaining current knowledge of substantive and procedural law across a wide range of practice areas
What You’ll Need to Be Successful in This Role
Being a claims attorney is an important opportunity to assist lawyers in a variety of ways, but it’s also a challenging role that will stretch you as well as stimulate you. To set you up for success in this position, we ask that you meet these criteria:
- Juris Doctor degree
- Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing
- At least 5 years of private practice experience in Oregon
- More than 6-9 years of professional liability and/or insurance coverage knowledge and experience highly preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications
- An understanding of the Professional Liability Fund, the Oregon State Bar, Oregon law, and the Oregon legal community
- The ability to manage a large caseload of numerous active claims or litigation matters
- A wide range of professional aptitudes, including interpersonal, organizational, analytical, communication, and writing skills
- The ability to synthesize and explain complicated information and to communicate clearly and effectively
- The capacity to work independently and also function effectively as a member of a team
- Strong initiative, good judgment, and the ability to collaborate with others
Who We Are
For over forty years, the PLF has provided malpractice coverage to lawyers in private practice in the state of Oregon. The PLF is a unique organization within the United States as it is the only state that provides that coverage through a mandatory program. The mission and purpose of the PLF is to serve the lawyers of Oregon. The existence of the PLF also provides a benefit to the public because lawyers have malpractice coverage.
What You’ll Love
The mission and purpose of the PLF is to serve the lawyers of Oregon. At the PLF, we believe that assistance to one lawyer is assistance to all. “Helping each lawyer when they need it, for the good of the whole profession" — as our home page proudly states — is the animating force behind the PLF's mission and our staff's dedication to serving the Oregon legal community. We invite you to explore our website and learn more about us!How You Can Apply
Please email your cover letter and resume to:
Emilee Preble
Director of Administration & Underwriting
Email: HR@osbplf.org
Subject line: Claims Attorney Position – (your name)
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
Equal Opportunity Employer
The PLF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the PLF are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or identity, age, disability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. The PLF will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the ADA Amendments Act and would like to request an accommodation for the application process, please contact Emilee Preble, Director of Administration & Underwriting, at HR@osbplf.org.