Lead Programs Counsel, North America

Overview

A leading insurance organization is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative attorney to serve as Lead Programs Counsel for its North America Programs & Delegated Authority business. This role focuses on programs- and delegated authority-related (re)insurance matters supporting growth across admitted and non-admitted / Excess & Surplus (E&S) markets.

Programs and delegated authority represent one of the fastest-growing areas in the insurance market and are a key strategic priority for the organization over the next five years. Legal counsel will play a critical role in building an integrated North America Programs & Delegated Authority business that scales responsibly across underwriting, distribution, claims, reinsurance, operations, compliance, and data.

The attorney will work closely with senior leaders across North America and Global Risk Solutions, as well as with teams in Programs, Underwriting, Distribution, Claims, Reinsurance, Operations, Compliance, and Data to structure, negotiate, and govern program business and third-party relationships, enabling growth while managing legal and regulatory risk.

The role focuses on delegated authority and other program arrangements, Third Party Administrator (TPA) and related services agreements, reinsurance-supported program structures, and regulatory issues affecting programs business across admitted and E&S platforms. Limited support on policy language and product matters may also be required.

Typical starting salary range: $155,000 - $188,000

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for the North America Programs & Delegated Authority business across admitted and non-admitted / E&S markets.
• Advise on structuring, launching, negotiating, and governing new and existing program relationships to support business growth.
• Help build the legal foundation for an integrated Programs & Delegated Authority business by partnering with underwriting, distribution, claims, reinsurance, operations, compliance, and data teams.
• Collaborate with senior North America and Global Risk Solutions leadership on strategic program initiatives and complex business arrangements.
• Structure, draft, review, and negotiate delegated authority arrangements and program-related agreements, including Managing General Agent (MGA), Managing General Underwriter (MGU), program administrator, producer, distribution, services, and other third-party contracts.
• Draft, review, and negotiate TPA contracts; advise on claims delegation, oversight, settlement authority, and related operational and compliance issues.
• Provide legal advice on reinsurance aspects of programs business, including fronting, ceded reinsurance, collateral, access fees, profit share, and other risk transfer arrangements.
• Advise on domestic insurance regulatory issues affecting programs business across admitted and E&S markets, including surplus lines, producer, MGA, TPA, delegated authority, and claims-related considerations.
• Support legal review of program onboarding, ongoing governance, issue escalation, amendments, renewals, and offboarding/runoff matters.
• Collaborate with Legal and business stakeholders to provide practical, commercially sound advice and support training on relevant legal and regulatory developments.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and eligibility for in-house counsel registration as applicable.
• Typically 5+ years of insurance industry legal experience, either in-house at a Property & Casualty (P&C) insurer or in private practice representing insurers. Candidates with deeper experience may be considered for more senior roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in domestic insurance regulation (P&C), including practical experience across admitted and non-admitted (E&S) markets.
• Experience structuring, drafting, and negotiating delegated authority, MGA, program, and related distribution or services agreements; advising on claims handling and TPA arrangements preferred.
• Familiarity with reinsurance structures and arrangements relevant to programs business, including fronting and other risk transfer frameworks preferred.
• Proven experience partnering with Underwriting and, where relevant, Product teams on insurance product development, program structures, and regulatory strategy.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and client-facing skills with the ability to communicate complex legal issues succinctly to executives and non-lawyers.
• Business orientation, sound judgment, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach.

Compensation & Benefits

• The starting salary range is $155,000 to $188,000, determined by factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, and location.
• Compensation plans may include commission and/or bonus earnings based on multiple factors.
• Comprehensive benefits supporting life and well-being are provided.

Location

North America (specific location details not provided)

This employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.