JACOB GALEN PUTNAM-SMART
Shoreline,WA
Summary
Seasoned Complex Claims Manager and Project Director with a proven track record at Epiq Class Action and Mass Tort Solutions, leading over 50 professionals to streamline claims processes and enhance efficiency. Expert in project development and client relations, consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations. Skilled in fostering team growth and achieving significant performance improvements.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Complex Claims Manager
Epiq Class Action and Mass Tort Solutions
Seattle, WA
03.2024 - Current
- Lead a team of 50+, consisting of Supervisors, Leads, Claim Attorneys, and Claims Specialists, to investigate, evaluate, and substantiate complex claims for antitrust, data breach, and product liability class action settlements.
- Develop procedures to streamline the claims process, improving overall efficiency.
- Manage team members effectively to meet high production standards with accurate results.
- Oversee the development and implementation of claims processing systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Review settlement agreements in order to create and manage processes that adhere with those agreements.
- Deliver exceptional, collaborative service to clients and internal stakeholders alike by transparently communicating and actively listening to concerns.
Project Director
Epiq/Garden City Group
Seattle, WA
10.2020 - 03.2024
- I directly reported to a Vice President and was accountable for meeting team billable goals, fostering client relationships, and developing and engendering team growth.
- Led a team of 15+, consisting of project managers, assistant project managers, project attorneys, and project coordinators.
- Oversaw all phases of settlement administration (notice, opt-out and objection, claims, deficiency, distribution, and closure) for complex class action antitrust matters such as the $5.5B settlement In re: Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, product liability matters such as the $1.5B In re: Takata Airbag Products Liability Litigation, consisting of over 59 million class members, and remediation matters such as the MBUSA incentive program paying over $31B to consumers.
- Drafted Notice and Administration Plans for numerous United Kingdom Collective Proceedings, adhering to the Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules.
Senior Project Manager/PM
Epiq/Garden City Group
Seattle, WA
10.2010 - 10.2020
- Co-managed a team of over 100 attorneys reviewing seafood and individual economic loss claims in the Deepwater Horizon Settlement.
- Developed data capture platforms, training procedures, and reporting strategies, in addition to managing a team of attorneys involved in claims administration for large, complex class action and mass tort settlements, including the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the Stryker Modular Hip Replacement Settlement, and the GM Ignition Switch Settlement.
- Promoted from contract attorney to project supervisor, to senior project supervisor, to project manager, to senior project manager.
- Successfully collaborated with other operational departments to facilitate the development of solutions related to client needs regarding claims processing, reporting, call scripting, budget, and website development.
Volleyball Coach
Garfield, Mercer Island, Overlake HS/ITVC Club
, WA
08.2003 - 11.2017
- Head varsity coach at Garfield High School.
- I have also coached at Mercer Island High School, The Overlake School, and at Island Thunder Volleyball Club.
- I have been a positive leader and role model for athletes aged 11 to 18, and I have assisted my teams in achieving success both on and off the court.
- Act as a mediator and negotiator between players, parents, and administrative faculty.
- Work closely with the school administration, parents, and other organizations to promote and fundraise for the school program.
Attorney
James R. Ihnot, P.S.
Kirkland, WA
02.2010 - 07.2010
- Prepared documents related to real estate purchase and sale agreements, foreclosures, estate planning, business formation, garnishment, unlawful detainer, and civil litigation.
- Successfully presented ex parte motions to Snohomish and King County Court Commissioners, involving probate and unlawful detainer orders.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Seattle University School of Law
Seattle, WA05.2007
B.A. - Psychology
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06.2000
Skills
- Meeting facilitation
- Requirements gathering
- Client relations
- Workforce training
- Project development
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Subject matter research
- Performance improvements
Affiliations
- Outdoor enthusiast who enjoys volleyball, skiing, and pickleball.
- Sports fanatic with half season tickets to the Seattle Kraken.
Timeline
Complex Claims Manager
Epiq Class Action and Mass Tort Solutions
03.2024 - Current
Project Director
Epiq/Garden City Group
10.2020 - 03.2024
Senior Project Manager/PM
Epiq/Garden City Group
10.2010 - 10.2020
Attorney
James R. Ihnot, P.S.
02.2010 - 07.2010
Volleyball Coach
Garfield, Mercer Island, Overlake HS/ITVC Club
08.2003 - 11.2017
Juris Doctor -
Seattle University School of Law
B.A. - Psychology
University of Washington
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