Senior Trial Attorney I
Macomb Township, MI  / Dearborn, MI 
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Posted 5 days ago
Job Description

It's a great time to join AAA The Auto Club Group!

JOIN THE TEAM COMMITTED TO DRIVING YOUR CAREER FORWARD

Job Type:

Full time

Exempt/Non Exempt:

Salary

Job Description:



*This is a hybrid position reporting to the Mt. Clemens office 2 days a week.

Senior Trial Attorney I - The Auto Club Group

What you will do:

Reports to: Supervising Practice Leader

Uses advanced specialized knowledge to handle complex to highly complex litigation and appeals of Circuit Court cases of unlimited exposure in which the insured or the Company is a defendant.

Controls all aspects of litigation, including trial preparation, discovery, negotiation, presentation and appeals from District to Circuit Court. Exercises discretion and judgment in performing all functions with minimal supervision.

Analyzes files and reviews all allegations. Renders legal opinions to Branch Claim personnel regarding evaluation and disposition of injury cases depending on level of experience. Prepares responses to civil complaints, files and answers any appropriate motions when questions of law or liability are in dispute. Determines feasibility of including third-party defendants in pending suits.

Conducts discovery depositions; formulates interrogatories. Reviews insurance policy and all pertinent documents. Selects legal investigators and arranges for service of subpoenas and summonses. Files additional motions as facts of case and proper timing warrant. Reviews medical and related technical data; consults with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities.

Analyzes information obtained through discovery and determines whether settlement is in best interests of insureds and the Company. Negotiates reasonable and equitable pre-trial settlements on behalf of Company and insured, when and where possible. Prepares case for trial, examining facts and developing trial strategy for construction of a strong defense. Prepares and submits pre-trial statements; attends pre-trial hearings before judge. Participates in jury selection. Conducts defense of case, including delivery of opening statement, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, makes and argues motions, confers with judges and attorneys, delivers closing argument; prepares trial brief which includes insured's defense, applicable law, and jury instructions, when appropriate. Prepares uninsured motorist cases for arbitration hearings. Researches all pertinent documents and data; presents cases before arbitration tribunals.

Keeps client advised of status of case in accordance with office guidelines and client satisfaction goals and consults with third-party clients regarding litigation against them, particularly as to its effect on their personal assets. Applies cost/benefit considerations to all litigation activity. Establishes and adjusts reserves as necessary. Reviews reserve position on a regular basis.

Prepares mediation summaries and appears before Case Evaluation Tribunal to advocate defendant's case. Evaluates award and makes decision as to whether to accept of go to trial within his/her authority.

Renders legal advice and legal opinions as requested by Branch Claim personnel regarding coverage, liability and damages. Advises payment of claims as appropriate. Advises insured and refers to independent counsel to protect insured's assets in event of an "over-limits" judgment as required. Coordinates trial or settlement activity with co-counsel, as necessary, to protect interest of insured.

Recommends to Appeals Committee whether judgments should be appealed based upon facts of cases and chances of recovery.

Conducts Examinations Under Oath in consultation with Practice Leader. Participates in Claims Legal Council Program on a regular basis. Participates in one or more office committees, as either standing or rotating member.

Mentors less experienced trial attorneys on legal matters within areas of his/her expertise but is not a supervising attorney and does not recommend less experienced attorneys for promotion, salary, review, etc.

How you will benefit:

  • Our Senior Trial Attorney I will earn a competitive salary of $113,500 to $137,00 annually with annual bonus potential based on performance.
  • Excellent and comprehensive benefits packages are just another reason to work for the Auto Club Group. Benefits include:
    • 401k Match
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • PTO
    • Paid Holidays
    • Tuition Reimbursement

We're looking for candidates who:

II. Required Qualifications (these are the minimum requirements to qualify)

Education (include minimum education and any licensing/certifications):

  • Juris Doctor Degree or graduate of accredited law school
  • Member of the State Bar of the assigned state

Experience:

  • Personal injury and insurance trial experience to include eight cases tried to verdict, four with jury and four at first-chair, including third-party tort and first-party no-fault cases

Knowledge and Skills (Items are applicable to the requirements of the assigned state):

  • Civil law, judicial procedures and rules of evidence
  • Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research
  • Discovery methods and techniques
  • Mediation rules, procedures and summaries
  • Claims procedures review other description & update as needed
  • First party and third party litigation, including current, significant case law in the assigned state
  • Tort liability law, including applicable theories of recovery and the appropriate defenses to those theories
  • Insurance law, including familiarity with Uniform Trade Practices Law and Principles of Bad Faith Actions
  • Principles of insurance contract construction and interpretation
  • Policies for all lines of coverage
  • Court Rules and motion practice in the assigned state
  • Rules of evidence of proper techniques for introducing or excluding evidence
  • Standard Jury Instructions and drafting nonstandard jury instructions where appropriate
  • Problems in Professional Ethics relating to relationship of house counsel to insured
  • Office standards and procedures
  • Legal research and availability of research tools, including use of bar library facilities, where necessary

Ability to:

  • Communicate effectively with other attorneys, court officers, the general public and others in a work environment
  • Analyze, organize, and present facts, evidence and related materials effectively in both written and oral forms
  • Utilizes office computer software including litigation management systems - update others
  • Willingness to work irregular and/or extended hours to meet professional responsibilities and deadlines

III. Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrates:

  • Interest in defense trial practice through in-depth research projects, self-education, participation in presenting seminars, membership in related professional organizations or other activities
  • Interest in Company operations, quality of service and manner in which the Legal Department contributes to and enhances operations and services
  • Very favorable performance on Attorney Productivity/"Scorecard" metrics
  • AAA claims procedures and branch organizations

IV. Work Environment

  • This is a hybrid position reporting to the Mt. Clemens office 2 days a week and working from home 3 days a week. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.
  • Willingness to work irregular and/or extended hours to meet professional responsibilities and deadlines.

Important Note:

The above statements describe the principle and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job. This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfil these requirements.

Who We Are

Become a part of something bigger.

The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.

By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life's journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.

And when you join our team, one of the first things you'll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.

We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.

To learn more about AAA The Auto Club Group visit

Important Note:

ACG's Compensation philosophy is to provide a market-competitive structure of fair, equitable and performance-based pay to attract and retain excellent talent that will enable ACG to meet its short and long-term goals. ACG utilizes a geographic pay differential as part of the base salary compensation program. Pay ranges outlined in this posting are based on the various ranges within the geographic areas which ACG operates. Salary at time of offer is determined based on these and other factors as associated with the job and job level.

The above statements describe the principal and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job. This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfill these requirements.

The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.

AAA The Auto Club Group is committed to providing a safe workplace. Every applicant offered employment within The Auto Club Group will be required to consent to a background and drug screen based on the requirements of the position.


As an equal opportunity employer, ACG is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices,
including but not limited to: selection, hiring, assignment, re-assignment, promotion, transfer, compensation,
evaluation, benefits, training and development, discipline and termination. The company prohibits discrimination,
harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual
preference/orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, disability or
handicap, citizenship status, service member status, genetic information, or any other category protected by
federal, state, or local law. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action including termination of
employment.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Experience
Open
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