Lead Attorney-Insurance Defense

Hanover Insurance Company; Southfield (MI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company seeks a Lead Attorney for its Michigan office to manage complex litigations and mentor other attorneys. This role requires extensive experience in trial law and the ability to handle high-stakes cases. Ideal candidates will be a seasoned lawyer dedicated to delivering excellent service within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

401K with a company match

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

PTO

Cultural Awareness Day

On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years litigation experience; first chair trial experience a plus.
• Admitted to the bar and licensed to practice law in Michigan.
• Knowledgeable in property and casualty insurance principles.

Responsibilities

• Investigates, manages, and tries complex cases in insurance defense.
• Mentors other trial attorneys and manages case loads.
• Handles high exposure lawsuits primarily.

Skills

Trial Skills

Investigative Skills

Communication

Negotiation Skills

Decision Making

Organization Skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Tools

MS Word

Job description

Posted Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 4:00 AM

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture .

Our staff counsel team is currently seeking a Lead Attorney for its Michigan office.

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens’ insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and arbitration panels in all aspects of litigation.This is hybrid/full time/exempt role. Fully remote candidates may be considered.

Position Overview:

Investigates and manages and tries the most complex cases in the region. This attorney’s inventory will possess the largest and most complex matters referred from claims. Other attorney’s may be assigned to work under this attorney’s direction on case-by-case basis where case complexity requires multiple attorneys to be assigned to the file. Lead trial attorney will serve as mentor to other developing trial attorneys.

In this Role you will:

• Must have jury trial experience
• Significant experience with commercial lines litigation
• Handles a case load consisting primarily of large complex high exposure lawsuits
• May specialize in several areas of law
• Provides direction and mentoring to other attorneys and claim professionals
• May assist Managing Attorney as needed in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff

What you need to apply:

• Must have minimum 10-15 years litigation experience; first chair trial experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to handle exposures of over 1 million dollars
• Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys adjusters and other claims professionals and support staff
• Must have a valid driver's license an acceptable MVR and an ability to maintain confidentiality
• Admitted to the bar and must be licensed to practice law in Michigan
• Advocacy: Has the knowledge and ability to assist defend or plead for another
• Communication: Has a knowledge and ability to deliberately and precisely exchange thoughts and opinions with one or more persons and to effectively translate legal language and ideas into layman's terms
• Organization Skills: Must have the ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to effectively maximize productivity
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrates an ability to conduct communication or conferences with a view toward reaching a settlement agreement or compromise. Must make effective use of the process whereby submission and consideration of offers is until an acceptable agreement is reached
• Decision Making: Has the ability to arrive at a determination after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination
• Trial Skills: Has a demonstrated record of successful insurance defense jury trial experience.
• Insurance: Knowledgeable in the basic principles of property and casualty insurance including commercial lines
• Investigative Skills: Has an ability to follow up step by step on inquiry or observation; to trace or track search or examine with care and accuracy. Specifically must take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion
• Legal Research: Must demonstrate the ability to locate cases treaties codified laws and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a conclusion or render an opinion there from
• Courtroom Skills: Has appropriate courtroom behavior attire and decorum and is familiar with the rules and regulations that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Dedication to providing the highest professional customer service to clients and claims professionals. Maintains the necessary skill levels

Desired skills and experience:

• Computer literacy including proficiency in MS Word and use of email
• Business/Industry: Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies practices trends and information affecting The Hanover Insurance Group’s businesses
• Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development

Physical demands & work environment:

• Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Required to work on-site as needed
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in a fast paced changing or stressful environment
• Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

BENEFITS:

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you’ll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• PTO
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)

The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.

Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.”

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at: [e-mail] and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

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