AVP Litigation Management-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 looking for an AVP, Litigation Management who will report to our VP. Claims General Counsel. The ideal candidate will be located in either New York, Philadelphia or Charlotte.

This role will develop, implement, and maintain all protocols, processes and performance standards relative to outside counsel management. Manage a team of legal professionals dedicated to the oversight and maintenance of all records and performance expectations required of outside counsel. Responsible for the vetting, onboarding and oversight of all outside defense firms. Liaison between all firm relationship partners and Selective as well as between the Claim department and Litigation Management Unit. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Develop/implement Request For Proposal's (RFP's) for vetting defense firms that are engaged by Selective to represent its insureds. Conduct Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis, including potential savings versus cost to implement and risk associated with transition.
• Develop/implement guidelines and performance enforcement among firms including recurring check-ins and data management/review/calibration. Develop and maintain spend analytics to provide actionable insights and aid in effective decision-making.
• Liaison between all firm relationship partners and Selective Insurance regarding all aspects of the relationship (approved timekeepers, billing issues, guideline compliance, performance management, etc.). Timely communication to internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaison between the Claim department and Litigation Management Unit. Communicates regularly with line of business leaders to ensure best in class legal services are procured/provided as required. Maintain a pulse of the business to anticipate needs and proactively provide solutions.
• Maintain a viable and competitive vendor base. Develop knowledge of industry suppliers, seeking opportunities for new relationships to meet business needs.
• Prepare training materials and present information/seminars to the Claim Department.
• Develop and oversee the subpoena response group and all personnel therein.
• Manage all legal professionals hired to support the Litigation Management Unit (includes paralegals, legal assistants and attorneys).
• Oversee the Litigation Management auditor/quality assurance role to ensure proper alignment/communication with the claims professionals.
• Attend continuing legal education seminars in order to maintain a high level of professional expertise. Must be able to drive an automobile to travel within regions. Car travel represents approximately 20% of employee's time and a valid driver's license.

Knowledge and Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent typing skills required
• Legal case management software experience required
• Exceptional customer service, writing and oral communication skills required
• Must have detailed knowledge of the business unit and industry
• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as negotiation skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and obtain the best possible pricing and services from vendors.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Must have valid state-issued driver's license in good standing and be able to drive an automobile.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor from ABA accredited law school required. Member in good standing of the Bar of the jurisdiction required.
• 10+ years of active litigation experience required or industry equivalent.
• In-house P&C experience required.
• Private practice experience strongly preferred.
• Direct supervisory experience of at least 10 legal professionals simultaneously.
• Large litigation portfolio management preferred.

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.