Director- Claims Legal (Managing Attorney)

Company Overview

Recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 12 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

The Claims Legal Director oversees a specialized litigation team of attorneys, managing large and complex lawsuit files. This role is essential in establishing both short- and long-term strategies to effectively handle litigation while guiding defense counsel to ensure compliance with best practices. Collaborating closely with Claims leadership, the Claims Legal Director maintains a strong defense panel and optimizes the legal bill review system. Additionally, the director stays current on legal developments, working alongside the Claims and Underwriting divisions to evaluate their operational impact.

In this capacity, the Claims Legal Director also guides the team in addressing complex legal questions from claims managers and adjusters, providing critical insights and support. The role further involves monitoring the legal landscape, assisting product administration, underwriting, and claims in navigating emerging trends by identifying opportunities and proposing solutions for individual accounts and books of business to enhance profitability. Moreover, the Claims Legal Director will be involved in high exposure litigation roundtables, navigating associated risks and pitfalls, and makes informed decisions on expenditures aimed at mitigating enterprise risk, thus driving optimal outcomes for claims with significant exposure. This position provides vital advice and counsel on policy language, coverage issues, case evaluations, and negotiations while overseeing special projects as needed.

A key responsibility of the Claims Legal Director is the development of the legal team. The director is dedicated to selecting, mentoring, and developing staff, ensuring that attorneys and associates continuously enhance their skills and performance. This commitment includes overseeing performance reviews, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing strategies for professional development.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• 10 years experience in insurance related litigation
• Prior staff attorney supervision
• Oral and written communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills

Preferred Education and Training:

• Law degree from an accredited law school
• Completion of Program in General Insurance
• Member of the State Bar where practicing
• CPCU designation

#LI-BW1

EEO

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.