Staff Attorney

UFG is currently hiring for a Staff Attorney who will be responsible for providing high quality and cost-effective legal representation. Demonstrates superior knowledge and expertise in the litigation process, is well versed in construction defect litigation and provides excellent client service as part of a legal team. Responsible for independent, aggressive case handling with a resolution management focus.

*This individual will need to reside in the Dallas/McKinney, Texas area*

Responsibilities:

• Independently conduct trials, depositions, pre-trial discovery, mediations, arbitrations or any other legal activity required to resolve cases. in an efficient and effective manner.
• Work directly with insureds, claimants, counsel mediators and courts in negotiating settlements.
• Review and discuss settlement values, defensive tactics and strategies with claims professionals Provide regular written status reports to claims professionals to keep them advised.
• Work with clients, claims professionals, underwriting, risk control and other third parties to resolve legal issues presented.
• Keep apprised of changes in law and court procedures. Comply with CLE requirements.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the state(s) in which representation is required.
• Active license to practice law in other states is a plus.

Experience:

• 5 years of experience practices law that includes substantial construction defect insurance defense.
• Trial experience is required.
• Prior in-house Property & Casualty Insurance experience preferred.
• Experience in paperless file environment and Westlaw research preferred.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Able to effectively influence others through master negotiation techniques.
• Demonstrate superior use of trial skills and techniques.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and planning skills.
• Strong and persuasive legal writing skills and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), legal document management software, Westlaw/Lexis.
• Ability and desire to collaborate with trial attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
• Ability and desire to communicate with UFG about improving processes for the representation of insureds.
• Decision making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations
• Ability to initiate, organize and coordinate complex projects and cases.
• Sense of urgency and responsiveness.
• Appreciation for and commitment to delivery of high-quality legal work
• Personal integrity and adherence to a high degree of professionalism and ethical competency 

Working Conditions:

• General office environment
• Travel at 50%