Managing Attorney

USA Underwriters Insurance Company; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Workforce Innovations, LLC seeks a Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney to spearhead the development of our in-house litigation team in Michigan. You will directly manage a docket and build a dedicated unit of attorneys and staff from the ground up.

The role demands 5–10+ years of Michigan Insurance Law experience, leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business guidance for senior management.

Qualifications

• Active bar membership in Michigan in good standing.
• 5–10+ years of Michigan insurance law litigation experience.
• Strong appellate and in-house litigation background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-house litigation and build out the team from the ground up.
• Mentor attorneys and staff, develop policies for in-house litigation.
• Develop high-level litigation strategies and manage cases from inception through disposition.
• Assign complaints to in-house counsel based on claim type and performance metrics.
• Determine settlement value or trial recommendations aligned with risk tolerance.
• Advise senior management on complex legal issues and strategic matters.
• Track Michigan No-Fault laws and related trends affecting defense.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Strategy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

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.

About the Role

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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: 5-10+ 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.

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?