FirstBank Jobs

About SFM Since 1983, our mission has been to be the workers compensation partner of choice for agents, employers and their workers. SFM seeks to inspire safer workplaces by protecting workers from harm and helping the injured recover. We have expanded to well over 25,000 customers in the Midwest and grown our offerings to include vocational rehabilitation, loss prevention, medical services and more. Though much has changed through the years, our focus continues to be unrivaled customer service, safety, and providing better outcomes for employers and injured workers. At SFM, the work you do has a direct impact on making a difference in someone s life because our mission is to inspire safer workplaces and help the injured recover. The role Join our dynamic organization leading and overseeing SFM s in-house insurance defense law firm overseeing a team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants inspiring a sense of service excellence and providing high-quality legal advice to all clients defending Workers compensation claims/lawsuits. In this role, you will act as a managing partner handling all the responsibilities associated with running a law a practice while carrying a reduced caseload defending work comp claims. The Managing Counsel will collaborate with key business partners, both within the organization and outside of the company. You will partner with claim professionals by providing effective advice on strategies impacting related legal issues. As a leader of the law department, you will promote and initiate the development of innovative strategies, develop team members, work with existing technology and seek out new technology to manage daily operations to improve workflows. Applicants must live in MN for this position. At SFM, we believe in work-life balance and offer hybrid work. Apply today and discover why we are consistently ranked a top employer and a place people choose to grow their career at. Bring your people leadership and legal expertise to SFM!! What you will be doing Leads the in-house law firm (claims legal team) to provide the best possible legal representation and advice in a service-focused manner to the Company s policyholders and claims representatives. Leads by example showing professionalism to internal and external customers. Facilitates annual strategic goal setting for the team, and assists with monitoring performance to achieve successful results. Manages the claims legal team's caseloads to ensure efficient workflow, timely completion of tasks, and balanced distribution of work. Makes operating decisions needed to achieve business results, and effectively manages team budget. Exhibits a continual growth mindset in developing and growing client service, litigation, and law firm leadership skills. Participates and takes leadership roles in projects and inspires innovation and continuous quality improvement. Collaborates with cross-functional business units and company leaders on long-term strategies, claims and litigation trends affecting the insurance industry to address issues that are impacted by workers compensation legal issues. Raises litigation awareness and participates in educating the Company s policyholders and agency force to promote the value of in house counsel and collaborates with key business partners within the organization to provide such education. Legal Counsel Handles a reduced caseload commensurate with leadership duties and provides legal defense on behalf of the Company and its policyholders related to workers' compensation and Coverage B claims. Collaborates with the Company s subrogation team to pursue and protect the Company and its policyholders interests in investigation, negotiation, and legal pursuit of subrogation claims. Monitors developing case and statutory law, drafts legal advisories and advises policyholders and the Company on topics related to workers compensation defense, subrogation, Coverage B, and other related third-party claims. Present or participates in seminars and educational opportunities for Company personnel and the Company s policyholders. Promotes and facilitates pre-litigation resolution and efficient administration of claims through regular counseling with other teams and coordination with the Company s claims tech and medical resources. Manages caseloads and determines when referring files to outside counsel is appropriate. Works together with corporate legal and claims tech personnel in managing outside counsel relationships. Leadership and Staff Development Develops and communicates vision and expectation levels to team members and relates them to corporate vision and strategic direction. Maintains appropriate interactions with persons both within the organization and externally. Provides team members with the tools needed for the team to accomplish stated objectives. Consistently provides feedback and communication to staff members related to company and team performance. Leads team members to make decisions based on established criteria/goals and monitors performance to achieve successful results. Defines and develops team member s job, responsibilities, and accountabilities, in both a physical and virtual environment. Selects, coaches, and retains staff. Inspires team members to attain goals and pursue excellence. Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for improved performance. Effectively utilizes each team member to their fullest potential.