Lead Programs Counsel, North America

Overview

A leading insurance organization is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative attorney to serve as Lead Casualty and Programs Counsel for its North America Programs portfolio. This role focuses on programs-related insurance matters supporting growth across admitted and non-admitted (Excess & Surplus) markets.

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

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for the North America Programs portfolio across admitted and non-admitted (E&S) markets.
• Support growth initiatives by advising on structuring, launching, negotiating, and governing new and existing program relationships.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic program initiatives and complex business arrangements.
• Structure, draft, review, and negotiate delegated authority arrangements and other program-related agreements, including Managing General Agent (MGA), program administrator, producer, distribution, and other third-party contracts.
• Draft, review, and negotiate Third Party Administrator (TPA) contracts; advise on claims delegation, oversight, and related operational and compliance issues.
• Provide legal advice on reinsurance-related aspects of program business, including fronting, ceded reinsurance, 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, and TPA considerations.
• 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 legal experience in the insurance industry, either in-house at a property & casualty insurer or in private practice representing insurers. Candidates with deeper experience may be considered for more senior roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in domestic property & casualty insurance regulation, 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 program business, including fronting and other risk transfer frameworks preferred.
• Proven ability to partner with Underwriting and 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 clearly to executives and non-lawyers.
• Business-oriented mindset, sound judgment, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach.

Compensation & Benefits

• The starting salary range for this role is determined by factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, and location.
• The full salary range reflects competitive market value nationally and offers opportunities for progression as employees grow within the role.
• Some roles may include commission and/or bonus earnings based on factors outlined in the compensation plan.
• Comprehensive benefits supporting life and well-being are provided.

Location

This position is based in North America. Specific location details and work arrangements will be provided during the hiring process.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.