In-House Counsel

USA Underwriters Insurance Company; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

USA Underwriters Insurance Company seeks an experienced In-House Counsel to lead our internal litigation strategy in Michigan. The role requires 5+ years in Michigan insurance law, strong trial experience, and active membership in the Michigan Bar.

You will manage docket, develop policies with Claims and Legal, advise senior management on complex issues, and help shape new insurance products while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Active Michigan Bar admission required; federal districts a plus.
• 5+ years of Michigan Insurance Law focusing on litigation and trial of insurance matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication translating legal jargon for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Docket management from inception through trial.
• Develop policies and procedures governing in-house litigation.
• Develop high-level litigation strategies with Claims and Legal.
• Review incoming complaints to formulate defense strategies.
• Determine settlement value or trial recommendations with Claims and Legal.

Skills

Michigan Insurance Law

Litigation & Trial

No-Fault Statutes Knowledge

Independent Drive

Communication Mastery

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

We are seeking In-House Counsel to manage and execute our internal litigation strategy. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with 5+ years of experience in the Michigan insurance landscape. You will serve as a key driver of our in-house litigation capabilities.

About the Role

Primary Responsibilities

In-House Litigation

• Docket Management: Directly handle a docket of in-house litigated files from inception through trial.
• Process Development: Work collaboratively 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.
• Case Evaluation & Handling: Review incoming complaints designated by Legal for in-house handling to formulate defense strategies based on claim nature 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.

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.

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+ 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.
• Independent Drive: A proven track record of successfully handling complex files from beginning to end with a high degree of autonomy and strategic foresight.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional verbal and written skills, with the ability to translate complex legal jargon into actionable business advice for senior leadership.

Pay range and compensation package

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Workforce Innovations, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value elite skill sets, legal integrity, and a proactive approach to insurance law.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s)

• Do you have a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school?
• Do you have at least 5 years of relevant experience specifically focused on Michigan Insurance Law with emphasis on litigation and trial of insurance matters?
• Are you an active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan?