Senior Manager, Litigation

Overview

This primarily home-based Senior Manager, Litigation role provides strategic leadership for complex litigation matters. The position oversees legal risk, guides high-stakes case resolution decisions, and ensures high-quality representation while protecting the interests of both insureds and the organization.

Candidates must reside within 35-50 miles of one of the following locations: Madison, WI; Boston, MA; Hopkins, MN; Keene, NH; Atlanta, GA.

Compensation range: $150,000.00 - $255,000.00 (salary). Compensation may vary based on job level and geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead litigation strategy for complex, high-exposure cases, partnering with staff attorneys and outside counsel to develop approaches, evaluate risk, and drive optimal outcomes.
• Manage outside counsel relationships by selecting, negotiating, and managing law firms and litigation vendors to ensure exceptional service, cost effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Drive resolution decisions by evaluating litigation exposure and business impact to determine whether cases should be tried, settled, or otherwise resolved; exercise settlement authority and provide guidance on high-stakes decisions.
• Assess and mitigate legal risk through continuous analysis of litigation trends, case developments, and potential exposures.
• Ensure excellence in representation by overseeing staff counsel and outside counsel work to maintain high standards of quality, professionalism, and compliance with applicable legal and ethical requirements.
• Provide trusted legal leadership as a strategic advisor on complex legal matters to attorneys, business partners, and senior leadership.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams by fostering accountability, collaboration, trust, and inclusion; setting expectations; providing coaching and feedback; and supporting professional growth.
• Influence across the organization by partnering with department and division leaders to advance strategic priorities and support the litigation function.

Requirements

• Demonstrated effective leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service.
• Civil trial experience.
• Experience handling issues related to:
  • (i) tort law
  • (ii) litigation practice
  • (iii) property and casualty insurance contracts, law, and regulation
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the rules of Professional Responsibility for the jurisdiction in which they practice.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of tort, contract, and insurance law.
• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Admitted to the state bar in the state where they are located, or one of the following:
  • (1) admission to the bar within one year of hire for individuals who must pass a bar exam or portions of a bar exam to be admitted
  • (2) bar admission as soon as practicable but no later than 60 days of hire for individuals with diploma privilege or who are eligible for in-house counsel registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience leading outside counsel.
• Coverage experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $150,000.00 - $255,000.00.
• Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing benefits
  • 401(k) contribution
  • Pension plan
  • Annual incentive
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees)
  • Student loan repayment program
  • Paid-family leave

Location

Primarily home-based. Candidates must reside within 35-50 miles of: Madison, WI; Boston, MA; Hopkins, MN; Keene, NH; Atlanta, GA.

Travel requirement: Up to 50%.

Additional Information

• Participation in New Employee Orientation during the first week is required. Orientation is held in person at the Madison, WI Headquarters or one of the organization’s core locations, with sessions sometimes delivered virtually depending on scheduling and availability.
• Offer is contingent on the results of applicable background checks.
• Offer is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions.
• Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting.
• Equal opportunity employer; reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants in connection with the application and interview process and for performing essential job functions.

Reporting

This role reports to a director, legal.