Trial Attorney- NJ Staff Counsel - 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.

Selective Insurance is seeking a PIP Trial Attorney to work in either our Roseland, Hamilton or Marlton, NJ staff counsel office. This is a hybrid role with 2 days in the office.

Provides legal representation to insureds of the Company in defense of PIP/No Fault arbitrations and litigated claims. Provides advice to the claims department of the Company and represents the Company in certain litigated matters, primarily UM/UIM matters. Responsible for managing a case load from inception to resolution. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Significant portion of case load will include defending No Fault/PIP arbitrations, appearing electronically for all such hearings. Also responsible for any necessary mod/clar's or appeals that are necessary. Experience in handling PIP arbs is required.
• Portion of caseload will include defending UM/UIM suits. Experience conducting discovery including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, reports and conducting depositions is preferred.
• Independently represents the Insured before the assigned Court and presents witnesses and evidence on litigated claims.
• Analyzes complex legal and factual issues, conducts extensive, well-reasoned legal research, independently develops and presents initial defense strategies on behalf of the Insured.
• Drafts PIP/No Fault submissions, pleadings, written discovery, motions and briefs in support of defense strategies.
• Prepares for, attends and handles all activities related to full trial and/or appeals, as assigned.
• Provides effective and timely communications, information, legal advice and other services to clients and claims professionals on legal and factual issues.
• Assists in developing training materials for the Claims Department.
• Communicates with the Court, witnesses, opposing counsel and clients in a manner consistent with established office procedures and the Code of Professional Conduct.
• Responsible for the prompt, efficient and effective disposition of assigned cases. Travels to depositions, court appearances, claims and client meetings, and other events as necessary. Car travel represents approximately 20% of employee's time.
• Keeps current with market trends and demands. Attends continuing legal education seminars in order to maintain a high level of professional expertise. Performs all other functionally related duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.

Knowledge and Requirements

• Excellent customer service, writing and oral communication skills required.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment, research, litigation, and analytical skills.
• Strong legal research and writing skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Edge or Chrome required.
• Legal case management software experience required
• Typing skills required.
• Detailed knowledge of the business unit and industry preferred.
• Experience with TeamConnect and dictation software preferred.
• Must have valid state-issued driver's license in good standing.

Education and Experience

• 7+ years legal experience in the jurisdiction required.
• Juris Doctor degree from ABA accredited law school required. Member in good standing of the Bar in New Jersey.
• Knowledge of Forthright rules, State laws, local court policies and procedures.
• Trial experience preferred but not 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.