Insurance Defense Lateral Attorney

ThinkingAhead Executive Search; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

ThinkingAhead Executive Search is assisting a respected Ohio law firm in recruiting a Senior Insurance Defense Attorney for a succession-planning role that emphasizes leadership and client-relations growth.

The ideal candidate will transition key client relationships alongside a senior partner, with mentoring opportunities and a clear path to practice leadership within the firm. Hybrid work flexibility is available and value is placed on long-term service.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Ohio license or eligibility for admission.
• 8+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Portable book of business.
• Ability to independently manage complex litigation.
• Excellent writing, advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills.
• Business development experience or a portable book of business preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Handle a broad range of insurance defense litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Manage pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial.
• Provide strategic legal counsel and practical solutions to clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional communication and responsiveness.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
• Participate in business development and client relationship initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client relationships

Business development

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Senior Insurance Defense Attorney – Practice Succession Opportunity | Ohio

Step into a thriving insurance defense practice with a clear path toward client relationship transition, leadership, and long-term growth.

Our client is a well-established and highly respected Ohio law firm with a longstanding reputation for exceptional client service. The firm is seeking an experienced Senior Insurance Defense Attorney to join its growing practice.

This is a unique succession-planning opportunity to work alongside a highly regarded senior partner who has built a thriving practice over several decades. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gradually transition key client relationships while positioning themselves for a future leadership role within the firm.

The firm offers a collaborative, relationship-driven culture that values mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Handle a broad range of insurance defense litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Manage pleadings, discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and trial.
• Provide strategic legal counsel and practical solutions to clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through exceptional communication and responsiveness.
• Mentor junior attorneys and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.
• Participate in business development and client relationship initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Ohio license or eligibility for admission.
• 8+ years of insurance defense litigation experience.
• Portable book of business required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex litigation matters.
• Excellent writing, advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills.
• Business development experience or a portable book of business preferred, but not required.

Why This Opportunity?

This role is well suited for an experienced litigator who values long-term client relationships, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to join a collegial firm with a clear path toward leadership and practice succession.

The opportunity offers:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Strong administrative and marketing support
• Collegial, team-oriented culture
• Meaningful leadership and practice succession opportunity
• A strong platform to continue growing and ultimately transition a thriving practice

Confidentiality and discretion are assured.