Executive Trial Attorney- Buffalo, NY (Hybrid)

At Selective, we don't just insure uniquely, we employ uniqueness.

Selective is a midsized U.S. domestic property and casualty insurance company with a history of strong, consistent financial performance for nearly 100 years. Selective's unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors, including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2024 and certification as a Great Place to Work in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year.

Employees are empowered and encouraged to Be Uniquely You by being their true, unique selves and contributing their diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives to our shared success. Together, we are a high-performing team working to serve our customers responsibly by helping to mitigate loss, keep them safe, and restore their lives and businesses after an insured loss occurs.

Say goodbye to billing and yearly required hours and join a dynamic Staff Counsel Program of a reputable and financially sound company with strong employee benefits!

Selective Insurance is seeking an experienced Executive Trial Attorney to handle insurance defense cases for our New York Staff Counsel office. The successful candidate will work out of the Buffalo, NY office. This is a hybrid role so the Executive Trial Attorney can work remotely 2 days per week.

The attorney, with the assistance of a talented support staff, will be responsible for the defense of a partial caseload from start to resolution in addition to management oversight of attorneys in the office. The position requires exceptional client communication skills, documented trial skills as well as the ability to report and respond to the carrier with insight and timeliness.

• Supervise the Buffalo Staff Counsel attorneys and handle the more complex cases in the office.
• Prepares pleadings, motions, briefs, letters, memoranda, reports, appeals, articles, etc. using our legal case management software.
• Directs and undertakes discovery practice including depositions, expert selection and all other pre-trial preparations.
• Communicates with, meets and regularly updates the client and claims personnel regarding the status of pending matters. Communicates with opposing counsel, the courts and others as needed.
• Researches and briefs issues using Lexis and other computer/web based data sources, law reporters and other law library materials.
• Develops litigation strategy and oversight for all assigned cases within the office.
• Provides analysis to claims in the form of legal opinions, recommendations and digests of recent developments in decisional and statutory law.
• Controls and directs clerical activity, in accordance with office protocol, necessary to support function of position.
• Reports to managing attorney concerning status of matters and provides other information as requested.
• Tries cases to conclusion before judges, juries and other triers of fact including ADR.
• Travels to depositions, court appearances, claims and client meetings, and other events as necessary. Travel represents approximately 20% of employee's time.

Knowledge and Requirements

• Previous management experience.
• Excellent jury trial experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, or similar required. Typing skill required.
• Legal case management software experience preferred.
• Excellent customer service, writing and oral communication skills required.
• Must have valid state-issued driver's license in good standing.

Education and Experience

• At least 15 years legal experience in the jurisdiction required.
• Experience in defending commercial litigation, including New York Labor Law litigation, preferred.
• Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school required. Member in good standing of the Bar of the jurisdiction required.

Selective Insurance offers a total rewards package that includes a competitive base salary, incentive plan eligibility at all levels, and a wide array of benefits designed to help you and your family stay healthy, achieve your financial goals, and balance the demands of your work and personal life. These benefits include comprehensive health care plans, retirement savings plan with company match, discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program, tuition assistance and reimbursement programs, and paid time off plans. Additional details about our total rewards package will be provided during the recruiting process.

The actual base salary is based on geographic location, and the range is representative of salaries for this role throughout Selective's footprint. Additional considerations include relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and business needs.

Selective is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. That means we respect and value every individual's unique opinions, beliefs, abilities, and perspectives. We are committed to promoting a welcoming culture that celebrates diverse talent, individual identity, different points of view and experiences - and empowers employees to contribute new ideas that support our continued and growing success. Building a highly engaged team is one of our core strategic imperatives, which we believe is enhanced by diversity, equity, and inclusion. We expect and encourage all employees and all of our business partners to embrace, practice, and monitor the attitudes, values, and goals of acceptance; address biases; and foster diversity of viewpoints and opinions.