What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney (Founding Role) position at Match Made Tech?
Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney (Founding Role)
A rapidly growing insurance-focused organization is seeking a Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney to build and lead a fully integrated in-house legal function from the ground up. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for shaping the company’s legal, regulatory, and litigation strategy while establishing a high-performing internal claims defense team.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise in Michigan insurance law, a strong operational mindset, and a proven ability to build and scale legal teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. In-House Legal Function Development
- Design and execute the strategy for building an in-house insurance defense firm
- Recruit, hire, and lead attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff
- Implement case management systems, workflows, and billing protocols
- Transition legal work from external firms to an internal team to optimize performance and cost efficiency
2. Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
- Oversee compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business
- Lead filings, licensing, and Certificates of Authorization across jurisdictions
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and insurance departments
- Ensure ongoing adherence to evolving legal and compliance standards
3. Litigation Strategy & Oversight
- Develop and execute litigation strategy across the organization’s portfolio
- Review and triage incoming claims and assign internal or external counsel
- Oversee all phases of litigation from inception through resolution
- Establish settlement strategies and trial recommendations aligned with risk tolerance
- Drive consistency, quality, and performance across all legal matters
4. Strategic Advisory & Business Partnership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and risk matters
- Provide guidance on complex legal issues and high-stakes business decisions
- Support the development of new insurance products and policy structures
- Establish and promote best practices in corporate governance and risk management
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
- 8–10 years of experience in Michigan insurance law and regulatory matters
- Deep expertise in No-Fault, auto insurance defense, and related litigation
- Proven experience building, scaling, or managing legal teams or departments
- Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into business-focused guidance
What Sets This Role Apart
- Opportunity to build and lead an in-house legal operation from inception
- High visibility and direct partnership with executive leadership
- Significant influence over legal strategy, business operations, and long-term growth
- A rare combination of legal authority, operational ownership, and strategic impact
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive executive-level compensation (commensurate with experience)
- Performance-based incentives
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and holidays