Claims Counsel in Calgary, Canada

The Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association (“ALIA”) is the member-funded, non-profit corporation that manages Alberta’s indemnity program for participating lawyers, providing economic and reputational protection to them and compensation to members of the public who have suffered certain financial losses due to the actions of participating lawyers, including professional errors and misappropriation.

ALIA operates as a separate financial entity from the Law Society of Alberta (“LSA”), ALIA’s sole shareholder, which regulates Alberta’s legal profession in the public interest. ALIA is overseen by a board of directors selected for their skills and experience.

Job Description – Claims Counsel

Reporting to the Manager, Claims, the Claims Counsel is expected to effectively and efficiently investigate, assess, manage and settle negligence and misappropriation claims made against participating lawyers.

The successful candidate will honour and visibly support ALIA’s vision, mission, values, and operating principles and work collaboratively with high performance individuals to make a positive contribution to a results-oriented culture. The ideal candidate will have three to ten years of legal experience in any practice area, including but not limited to corporate commercial, real estate, wills/estates and family law. Litigation/insurance defence and/or liability claims experience would be considered an asset but is not required.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

· Honour and visibly support ALIA’s Vision, Mission, Values and Operating Principles.
· Work collaboratively with high performance individuals and make a positive contribution to a high performance, results-orientated culture.
· Function within defined authority limits.
· Maintain claim files in accordance with the Claims Manual and update claim data and statistics.
· Respond positively and incorporate improvements highlighted through internal audits and the File Management Reviews.
· Assess and evaluate coverage with reference to policy definitions, conditions, and exclusions.
· Inform subscribers of claims process, management of their file and any coverage issues.
· Negotiate terms of coverage with subscribers and document agreement by letter, non-waiver agreement or reservation of rights letter.
· Provide advice and strategic support to subscribers to prevent and repair claims.
· Develop comprehensive strategies to efficiently resolve claims.
· Make informed and prudent decisions to retain and oversee outside experts, such as independent claims investigators and adjusters, and counsel when appropriate.
· Independently conduct settlement negotiations and meetings, arrange and participate in mediations, arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
· Conduct research of applicable statutes and common law precedents, as required.

Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge

· LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
· Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
· Minimum 3 years of practice experience.
· Related litigation/insurance defence practice experience and/or liability claims experience is an asset but not required. Practitioners with experience in various areas of law such as corporate commercial, real estate, wills/estates and family law will also be considered.
· Excellent negotiation skills.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers, staff, and subject matter experts.
· Superior analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex situations and recommend solutions.
· Excellent time management, prioritization, organizational, judgment and communication skills.
· Strong work ethic with attention to detail and a sharp focus on the quantity and quality of work produced.
· Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
· A desire and capability for growth to meet additional requirements added to this position over time.
· Flexible with work hours during peak periods.

This is an exclusive search.

The Counsel Network is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.

To apply for this position: caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1215

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For more information or to apply for this position, contact:

Meaghan Loughry, Consultant
mloughry@caldwell.com
647.417.4720
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Shetin Adams, Associate
sadams@caldwell.com
403.444.1768
Connect with me on LinkedIn