Litigation Manager

General Summary

The Litigation Manager investigates and adjusts tort liability claims for municipal members in accordance with internal claims protocols and industry best practices. This role also manages contract defense counsel following the organization’s litigation management guidelines and is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with pool members, the Board of Trustees, and service providers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain tort liability claim protocols

• Log claims and create case files

• Set and monitor case reserves

• Contact injured parties

• Conduct investigations to assess liability, damages, coverage applicability, potential defenses, and subrogation

• Make timely and accurate coverage determinations and communicate limitations to members

• Maintain regular communication with members on claim status

• Maintain diaries and clearly document claim status and plans of action

• Assign litigated cases to approved defense counsel

• Collaborate with defense counsel on litigation strategy

• Manage cases within budget

• Represent the pool at mediations, arbitrations, and settlement conferences as needed

• Recommend settlements to the Administrator/CEO

• Present claim reviews to the Board of Trustees

• Monitor and evaluate defense counsel performance

• Identify claims that can be resolved and closed

• Conduct statistical analysis and prepare reports on litigation effectiveness

• Perform other duties as assigned

Work Direction & Initiative

• No daily direction required; expected to work independently

• Requires continual analysis of data affecting organizational policy

• Provides expert consultation to management

• Independent action and new approaches may be necessary within the field

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in liability claims handling and litigation management

• Experience maintaining electronic files in a claims management information system

• Bachelor’s Degree required; experience with public entities preferred

• Experience with property and auto claims is a plus

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance

• Kansas Insurance Agent’s License preferred

• Insurance/Claims designation (e.g., CPCU, AIC) is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Tort law

  • Property & casualty insurance

  • Relevant federal and state laws

  • Claims best practices

  • Investigation and negotiation techniques

• Excellent leadership and communication skills

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Outstanding written and verbal presentation skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills