What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managing Insurance Attorney position at USA Underwriters?
We are seeking a high-caliber Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney to spearhead the development of our in-house litigation team.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with 5-10 years of experience in the Michigan insurance landscape. You will serve as the primary architect of our in-house litigation capabilities and handle in-house litigation from inception through trial.
Primary Responsibilities
1. In-House Litigation
· Lead Counsel: Directly handle a docket of in-house litigated files while developing a dedicated in-house litigation team consisting of attorneys and support staff from the ground up.
· Managing Attorney: Mentor and develop attorneys and support staff to build out in-house litigation capabilities, providing support and guidance as well as working with Claims and Legal to develop policies and procedures governing in-house litigation.
· Strategy Development: Develop high-level litigation strategies and work directly with Claims and Legal to manage all phases of litigation from inception through final disposition.
· Triage & Assignment: Review incoming complaints designated by Legal for in-house handling and assign appropriate in-house counsel based on claim nature, defense requirements, and internal performance metrics.
· Valuation & Resolution: Work with Claims and Legal to determine settlement value or trial recommendations on a case-by-case basis, ensuring financial outcomes align with organizational risk tolerance.
2. Strategic Advisory & Product Development
· Executive Counsel: Provide sophisticated legal advice to senior management regarding complex legal issues, sensitive personnel matters, and high-stakes business decisions.
· Trend Analysis: Track legal trends and key developments in Michigan No-Fault laws, automobile negligence, tort reform, and wrongful death statutes.
· Product Innovation: Assist in the development of new insurance products, ensuring all policy language and structures meet the highest legal and regulatory standards as well as being responsive to observed legal trends.
· Best Practices: Advise on claims handling and "best practices" to maintain the enterprise’s reputation for integrity and excellence.
Requirements & Qualifications
· Licensure: Must be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Admission to the Federal Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan a plus.
· Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
· Experience: 5-10 years of relevant experience specifically focused on Michigan Insurance Law with emphasis on successful, cost-effective litigation and trial of insurance matters. Successful appellate practice a plus.
· Technical Expertise: Extensive, proven knowledge of Michigan No-Fault statutes and Auto Insurance Defense litigation.
· Leadership Spirit: A proven track record of handling files from beginning to end and the ability to develop talent and lead effectively.
· Communication Mastery: Exceptional verbal and written skills, with the ability to translate complex legal jargon into actionable business advice for senior leadership.
Compensation & World-Class Benefits
· Competitive Salary: Commensurate with elite experience (aligned with Detroit Metro 2026 benchmarks).
· Health & Welfare: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
· Future Security: 401(k) with company match and Employer-paid Life Insurance.
· Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
Workforce Innovations, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value elite skill sets, legal integrity, and a proactive approach to insurance law.