Products Liability Claim Manager/Counsel

Company Overview:

Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Management U.S.A., Inc. is one of the world’s top ten property/casualty insurance carriers with over 40,000 employees worldwide.

Summary/Job Purpose:

The Global Claims Services department is a third-party claims administrator for Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. (“MSI”) located in Tokyo, Japan. The primary responsibilities are to manage the PL Claims department, which is charged to represent the interests of the parent company in connection with the handling of PL claims in the US and Canada. The general work of this department includes investigation, evaluation, defense and settlement of product liability claims and lawsuits in these regions. It is also important that the work be performed to the satisfaction of MSI or its affiliates (e.g. ADIJ). In keeping with that goal it is important that you carefully coordinate your efforts and that of the staff MSI, its insureds and the MSIJ representatives that are active participants here in the Warren, NJ office. This work must be completed in accordance with all MSMM claim handling procedures, Fair Claim Practices Acts, and other compliance policies as adopted by MSMM.

In this management position and you will be expected to participate in various MSMM committees and manage/evaluate your direct reports. In addition, you may be called upon to directly handle one or more MSIJ (or ADIJ) accounts as part of your duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. (Identify what percentage of time will be spent on the essential functions)

• Manage you direct reports, who are involved in the investigation of product liability claims, regarding products manufactured by MSI’s insureds. Assist in the retention of outside investigators, experts & defense counsel, and to ensure that proper internal procedures are followed.
• Provide advice and guidance to members of the staff with regards to claims and litigation strategies.
• In instances where you are called upon to directly manage claims on an account, you will provide the same level of care expected of the staff. When necessary, attend meetings with the insured and defense counsel, legal-engineering conferences, court conferences, trials, and other litigation events, develop appropriate settlement strategies and conduct settlement negotiations and attend settlement conferences and mediations.
• Ensure your direct reports are timely and accurately sending written reports to the International Claims Department at MSI regarding claim developments and status, defense and settlement strategy, and reserve advice, and to provide the same level of service if you are directly handling the claim and/or an account.
• Ensure your direct reports are properly confirming insurance coverage for claims and provide advice to the International Claims Department regarding coverage issues.
• Ensure your direct reports are communicating regularly with MSIJ’s insureds in the U.S. and Internationally regarding claim handling, and maintain good working relationships with their insureds.
• Periodic travel to Japan to meet with the International Claims Department and insureds, and to participate in international video conferences, as needed.
• Attend various seminars and webinars on the topics of claim handling, regulatory, coverage, and industry affairs.
• Work on special projects as needed.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university is required.
• Law degree required.
• 10 years related Insurance Litigation experience required
• Products liability and long-term exposure experience required
• Variety of State licenses preferred

The Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.