How to Be Insurance Coverage Attorney - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 26, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing complexity of insurance coverage and the prevalence of insurance claims can lead to a need for legal assistance. As a result, many individuals and businesses turn to insurance coverage attorneys for help in handling their insurance-related matters. Insurance coverage attorneys can provide advice on how to interpret policies, help negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and provide representation in court when necessary. They can help individuals and businesses protect their rights and interests and ensure that they get the best possible outcome in their insurance dispute.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an insurance coverage attorney, individuals must first obtain a bachelor's degree. This can be in any field, though courses in business, finance, and economics may be helpful.
Take and Pass the Law School Admissions Test. After completing a bachelor's degree, individuals must take and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) in order to be accepted into a law school.
Attend Law School. Law school typically takes three years to complete. During this time, students can focus on insurance law, taking courses such as property insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance.
Pass the Bar Exam. After completing law school, individuals must take and pass the bar exam in order to become licensed to practice law. This exam varies by state and may require that the applicant pass additional exams specific to that state.
Obtain Employment with an Insurance Firm. Once licensed to practice law, individuals can seek employment with an insurance firm. This may include writing policies, researching legal issues, or representing clients in court.
Consider Obtaining Certification. Many states offer certification for insurance coverage attorneys. This is voluntary but may make an individual more attractive to employers or help them advance their careers.

The rising cost of healthcare has had a direct impact on the cost of insurance coverage. As insurance premiums have risen, many people have found it increasingly difficult to afford even basic coverage. This has resulted in more people going without insurance, which has caused an increase in medical debt and bankruptcies among those unable to pay their medical bills.

In response, some states have taken steps to provide more affordable insurance coverage, such as expanding Medicaid, creating insurance exchanges, and introducing subsidies. These measures have helped make insurance more accessible, but the long-term effects are still being seen.

You may want to check Underwriting Supervisor, Insurance Analyst, and Homeowners Insurance Agent for alternative.

Job Description

Insurance Coverage Attorney: Represent clients in court or before government agencies in issues related to insurance coverage. Analyze and interpret complex legal documents, such as insurance policies, to determine coverage. Research and analyze statutes, case law, regulations and other legal sources to advise clients on legal rights and obligations. Negotiate settlements of cases, and draft and review documents related to insurance coverage.
Insurance Defense Attorney: Represent insurance companies and their policyholders in lawsuits involving insurance coverage and liability. Analyze insurance policies and contracts to determine coverage and liability. Develop legal defense strategies and provide advice to clients. Draft pleadings and motions, prepare for and attend hearings, investigate facts, and take depositions.
Insurance Regulatory Attorney: Advise insurance companies on compliance with state and federal laws, regulations and industry standards. Research and analyze legal documents, such as insurance policies and legal opinions. Represent insurance companies in hearings before governmental agencies. Participate in the drafting of legislation related to the insurance industry.
Insurance Litigation Attorney: Represent clients in lawsuits involving insurance coverage and liability. Analyze insurance policies and contracts to determine coverage and liability. Develop legal strategies and provide advice to clients. Draft pleadings and motions, prepare for and attend hearings, investigate facts, and take depositions.
Insurance Transactions Attorney: Represent clients in the negotiation of complex insurance transactions. Research and analyze legal documents, such as insurance policies and legal opinions. Negotiate contracts between insurers, reinsurers, and other parties involved in the transaction. Advise clients on compliance with state and federal laws related to the insurance industry.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant insurance laws and regulations
Ability to review and interpret policy language
Expertise in researching case law and legal precedent
Strong understanding of the litigation process
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in legal writing and drafting documents
Strong negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving skills
Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve insurance coverage disputes
Ability to effectively manage a heavy caseload
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in a case

Having the right insurance coverage attorney is a key factor in ensuring that all of your legal needs regarding insurance policies and claims are met. A good insurance coverage attorney will have a deep knowledge of insurance law, as well as a thorough understanding of the regulations and processes associated with disputes and claims. They should also have strong communication skills to help clients navigate through complex legal proceedings.

Furthermore, they should be able to effectively negotiate on behalf of their clients to ensure they are getting the most out of their policies. These skills are essential for an insurance coverage attorney to be successful in helping their clients get the best possible outcome in terms of the coverage they need and the settlements they deserve.

Insurance Marketing Representative, Underwriting Technician, and Insurance Compliance Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Tell us about your experience as an insurance coverage attorney.
How have you managed complex cases involving insurance coverage issues?
What strategies do you use to stay informed of changes in insurance law?
Describe a situation where you successfully resolved a dispute between an insurer and their client.
What techniques do you use to identify potential coverage gaps?
How do you go about researching and interpreting insurance policies?
How do you develop strategies to maximize coverage for policyholders?
What methods do you employ to ensure successful claims negotiations?
Describe your experience in counseling insurers on risk management best practices.
How do you work with clients to develop customized insurance coverage solutions?

Common Tools in Industry

Legal Research Software. This software allows attorneys to quickly and efficiently search for legal precedents, statutes, and regulations relevant to a particular case. (Eg: LexisNexis, Westlaw)
Case Management Software. This software allows attorneys to organize their case files and client information, as well as automate tasks such as document generation and billing. (Eg: Clio, MyCase)
Document Automation Software. This software allows attorneys to quickly generate documents based on the specifics of a particular case, such as contracts and pleadings. (Eg: HotDocs, LawGro)
Practice Management Software. This software allows attorneys to manage their practice by tracking time, billing, and managing documents. (Eg: Rocket Matter, PracticePanther)
Online Payment Processing. This software allows attorneys to securely process payments from clients online. (Eg: Stripe, Square)
Client Relationship Management Software. This software allows attorneys to manage relationships with clients by tracking communications and client information. (Eg: ActionStep, Zola Suite)
E-discovery Software. This software allows attorneys to review and filter electronic data quickly and efficiently for use in litigation. (Eg: Relativity, kCura)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Bar Association (ABA)
Association of Insurance and Risk Managers (AIRMIC)
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)
International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP)
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
American Insurance Association (AIA)
Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS)
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC)

We also have Insurance Accountant, Claims Manager, and Reinsurance Broker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Liability Insurance. Insurance that covers an individual or entity against claims arising from injuries or damage to another person or their property.
Casualty Insurance. Insurance that covers an individual or entity against losses resulting from accidents, natural disasters, and other events beyond their control.
Property Insurance. Insurance that covers an individual or entity against losses resulting from damage to their property or belongings.
Health Insurance. Insurance that covers an individual or entity against medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
Life Insurance. Insurance that pays a benefit to the insured's beneficiary upon the insured's death.
Annuities. A contract between an insurance company and an individual that provides for periodic payments to the individual for a specified period of time.
Reinsurance. Insurance purchased by an insurance company to provide protection against losses caused by claims made by policyholders.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with a given activity or venture.
Claims Handling. The process of evaluating, negotiating, and settling insurance claims made by policyholders.
Subrogation. The process of transferring legal rights and responsibilities from one party to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of insurance matters do insurance coverage attorneys handle?

Insurance coverage attorneys handle a variety of insurance matters, including disputes over coverage, claims processing, policy interpretation, bad faith claims, and extra-contractual liability.

Q:What is the role of an insurance coverage attorney?

The role of an insurance coverage attorney is to provide legal advice and representation to clients regarding their insurance coverage issues. They work to ensure their clients rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they are entitled to under the policies they have purchased.

How do insurance coverage attorneys help policyholders?

Insurance coverage attorneys help policyholders by negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of their clients, providing legal advice on policy language, filing and litigating claims, and representing clients in court if necessary.

What is extra-contractual liability?

Extra-contractual liability refers to claims against an insurer for damages beyond what is provided for under the terms of the policy. These claims can include bad faith claims and breach of contract claims.

How can an insurance coverage attorney help with a dispute over coverage?

An insurance coverage attorney can help with a dispute over coverage by advising their client on the language of their policy, negotiating with the insurer on their behalf, filing and litigating claims if necessary, and representing their client in court if necessary.

Web Resources

Insurance Coverage : Washington and Lee University my.wlu.edu
liability insurance coverage | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal www.law.cornell.edu
Property and Casualty Insurance Law - Practising Law Institute - PLI www.pli.edu