Job Title

Reporting to the Director, Claims, the Legal Counsel, Insurance Claims acts as a strategic member within a team of insurance professionals managing claims, risk management, and general insurance services delivery for the our members (Municipalities and non-profits). Alberta Municipalities provides Insurance products and services through a licensed insurance brokerage that is responsible for underwriting, claims management, and risk management activities related to all products purchased or accessed by our members.Alberta Municipalities also manages a licensed Insurance Reciprocal Exchange which underwrites various Property & Casualty products. The Legal Counsel, Insurance Claims will work closely with the in-house claims examiners to oversee claims litigation and manage external legal resources for more complex files.Know-HowPractical/ Technical KnowledgeA law degree (LLB or JD) from a recognized post secondary institutionRegistered and in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta3 - 5 years of progressive legal experience in insurance claims management, mediation, litigation.Thorough knowledge of insurance legislation and the Municipal Government Act in Alberta.Trial experience is an asset.Experience working with Municipal insurance claims.Planning, Organizing and IntegratingExperience in managing a legal team through claims files.Strong organizational and project management skills to initiate and implement initiatives and coordinate multiple activitiesExcellent attention to detailCommunicating and Influencing Skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to coach, mentor, mediate and use tact and diplomacy to resolve sensitive matters.The ability to interact with municipal administrators to discuss their concerns, and inform them of their requirements in respect to the defense of claimsAbility to manage third-party service providers to resolve claims in a timely manner.ResponsibilitiesResponsible for handling assigned insurance defense files from beginning to conclusion.Work with the insurance claims team when further investigation is required for claims files and to provide pro-active solutions to achieve early file resolution.Research and advise claims department on issues impacting a claim.Prepare and deliver reports providing recommendations on liability assessments and file management strategies.Use the civil procedure rules to compel plaintiff documentation and early discovery dates.Draft opinions, pleadings, affidavits and other documents supporting motion applications, mediation briefs and pre-trial memorandum.Prepare and conduct applications/motions, discoveries, mediation arbitrations, pre-trail conferences and judicial dispute resolutions and trials.Work closely with external council to manage the process and timely conclusion to larger claims files.Prepare and present legal education seminars to the claims department.Conducts necessary and appropriate questioning, mediations, Judicial Dispute Resolutions trials and similar proceedings. Researches the law applicable to cases or matters. Drafts legal documents, pleadings, motions, and briefs as required and conducts settlement negotiations and trials.Advises, communicates, and confers with claims examiners as appropriate, rendering clear, unambiguous legal opinions and advice.Uses Litigation Protocols to develop and revise appropriate legal strategy for discovery, investigation, handling, and trial/hearing of cases.