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Legal Audit Counsel

WR Berkley
locationUrbandale, IA, USA
PublishedPublished: 5/31/2026
Full time

Company Details

"Our Company provides a state of predictability which allows brokers and agents to act with confidence."

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States.

Along the way, we've been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, become a Fortune 500 Company, joined the S&P 500, and seen our gross written premiums exceed $10 billion.

Today the Berkley brand comprises more than 60+ businesses worldwide and is divided into two segments: Insurance and Reinsurance and Monoline Excess. Led by our Executive Chairman, founder and largest shareholder, William. R. Berkley and our President and Chief Executive Officer, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., W.R. Berkley Corporation is well-positioned to respond to opportunities for future growth.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The Legal Audit Counsel within the Legal Management Services department is responsible for validating legal bill charges, resolving billing disputes, supporting centralized legal bill review, and providing guidance to outside counsel and internal stakeholders across multiple operating units.

• Ensure prompt, accurate and efficient auditing of submitted legal fee and expense invoices pursuant to applicable litigation and billing guidelines
• Conduct line by line review of invoices to determine accuracy, reasonableness and compliance with agreed upon fee structure between company and law firm
• Identify and group tasks to evaluate the progression of activities from start of case to closure
• Collect information via contact with law firms and claims staff to determine the reasonableness of time spent on tasks and complete the bill review process
• Identify billing discrepancies based on litigation and billing guidelines, industry standards and litigation history, and reduce invoices accordingly
• Discuss, explain and educate attorneys and claims staff on reasons for invoice reductions, the bill review process and compliance with litigation and billing guidelines
• Advise and work closely with claim managers, adjusters and attorneys on billing discrepancies to determine the reasonableness of time spent and the best course of action for resolution
• Develop and maintain extensive knowledge related to determining the likely legal necessity for specific insurance defense and coverage related law firm work
• Make quick, sound decisions and negotiate resolution of billing issues or disputes
• Utilize claim file and document review to obtain claim strategy information and apply it during the review process
• Ensure prompt, accurate and efficient auditing of submitted legal fee and expense invoices and amend as appropriate
• Engage in written and/or verbal communications with law firms and Berkley operating unit employees managing claims, serving as a technical resource for appeal oversight and discretionary reviews
• Participate in calibration and consultation with the Litigation Management Services team
• Collaborate with the claims department for more effective litigation cost control
• Serve as a technical resource to other claim professionals and stakeholders, providing consultation and training regarding legal bill review and related best practices
• Drive and influence compliance with partnering law firms based on W.R. Berkley Corporation's retention and billing policies and philosophy by building trusted and strategic business partnerships
• Assist and provide input to identify improvement or innovative opportunities and aid in understanding, assessing and removing barriers to the success of this newly formed team

Qualifications

Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Focus and Teamwork
• Innovation and Initiative
• Flexibility

Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of experience working with litigation and legal billing practices, including civil court rules and procedures and state and federal court systems
• Three (3) years of legal bill review experience with exposure to multiple lines of business and varying levels of billing complexity
• Proficient in the use of eBilling platforms, including Bottomline's LegalX and Legal Exchange
• Experience utilizing AI‑enabled legal billing and analytics tools to support accurate bill review, identify billing irregularities, and ensure compliance with outside counsel billing guidelines
• Ability to analyze AI‑generated insights and apply legal judgment to validate billing exceptions, cost trends, and efficiency opportunities
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF
• Excellent computer and technical aptitude with the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and technologies
• Ability to function independently and successfully multi‑task in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong legal judgment with the ability to make sound, well‑reasoned decisions
• Strategic thinker with the ability to leverage data and technology to optimize legal spend
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and intellectual curiosity
• Team‑oriented, collaborative, and able to work effectively with minimal supervision

Education Requirement


• JD in good standing

Additional Company Details

Salary Range: $81,000 to $125,000 annually, dependent on experience, knowledge and location. Berkley offers comprehensive and competitive employee health benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Additional benefits include Short & Long Term Disability, 401(k)/Profit Sharing/Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment/Travel and Additional Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off (Vacation/Sick/Holidays), wellness programs, and industry-related education, exams and tuition assistance to support professional growth and development.

Additional Requirements

Location and Travel:
• Primary location Urbandale, IA.
• Additional locations: Scottsdale, AZ; West Hartford, CT; Irving, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Atlanta, GA; Glen Allen, VA.
• Travel: Minimal travel.
• Remote/hybrid options available (Remote Opportunity).

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role