Christopher Amato, Esq.

Primary Purpose:

Responsible for handling a large volume of assigned litigation from inception through trial and to ensure all internal case handling and reporting requirements are consistent with the Scahill Law Group Litigation Philosophy and Litigation Management Guidelines. Provide the highest level of legal representation for Scahill Law Group Clients and their insureds. Take ownership of any issue, problem, or error that could impact the company, policyholder, and/or loss participant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

• Answer summonses and complaints
• Initiate and respond to written discovery.
• Prepare and respond to motions before the court.
• Prepare for and attend all court appearances, as necessary.
• Prepare for [including written submissions] and attend arbitrations where appropriate.
• Prepare for, schedule, and conduct depositions and examinations under oath, as necessary.
• Prepare for and attend trials, as necessary.
• Maintain reporting procedures (i.e., file reviews, diary control)
• Research and analyze legal questions and issues.
• Write confidential legal memoranda.
• Draft confidential opinions
• Research and prepare post-trial motions and appeals.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable insurance law in the state of practice.

Minimum Skills and Competencies:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• J.D. (Juris Doctor) Degree from an accredited US law school
• Maintain appropriate licensing and educational requirements.
• 3-5 years of experience in insurance defense on behalf of an insurance carrier in any combination of the following areas: automobile liability, premise liability, liability claims and homeowner/premises,
• Experience in all phases of litigation (including trials to verdict) involving complex, high risk and/or high exposure cases.
• Possess a strong understanding of insurance law, including the laws and rules governing civil practice in the state of practice.
• Ability to analyze legal issues and identify relevant case opinions and facts, as well as the ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
• Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to provide concise, practical advice to non-lawyers.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write motions and legal prose with clear and cogent arguments.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
• Possess strong skills in attention to detail.
• High degree of initiative, mature judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis.
• Possess strong client relationship skills with the ability to resolve conflicts and empathize with insured clients.
• Possess strong negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of complex medical issues, particularly orthopedic and neurological, with the understanding of etiology, causation, and treatment of injuries consistent with motor vehicle and premises accidents
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Proficient in Westlaw software
• Solid understanding of the insurance industry and organizational relationships of the company, including the functions of other departments.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in Legal Files case management software