Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney (Founding Role)

Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney (Founding Role) Detroit, MI Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Managerial strategic planning Strategic management Law Operations management Handling insurance claims New product development Legal risk management Managing legal teams Compliance management implementation 8 years Doctor of Law (JD) Team development Hiring Litigation Legislation Regulatory affairs Recruiting Legal case management Auto insurance knowledge Senior level Bar Communication skills Legal client consultation experience Full Job Description Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney (Founding Role) A rapidly growing insurance-focused organization is seeking a Lead Counsel / Managing Attorney to build and lead a fully integrated in-house legal function from the ground up. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for shaping the company's legal, regulatory, and litigation strategy while establishing a high-performing internal claims defense team. The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise in Michigan insurance law , a strong operational mindset, and a proven ability to build and scale legal teams. Key Responsibilities 1. In-House Legal Function Development Design and execute the strategy for building an in-house insurance defense firm Recruit, hire, and lead attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff Implement case management systems, workflows, and billing protocols Transition legal work from external firms to an internal team to optimize performance and cost efficiency 2. Regulatory & Compliance Leadership Oversee compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business Lead filings, licensing, and Certificates of Authorization across jurisdictions Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and insurance departments Ensure ongoing adherence to evolving legal and compliance standards 3. Litigation Strategy & Oversight Develop and execute litigation strategy across the organization's portfolio Review and triage incoming claims and assign internal or external counsel Oversee all phases of litigation from inception through resolution Establish settlement strategies and trial recommendations aligned with risk tolerance Drive consistency, quality, and performance across all legal matters 4. Strategic Advisory & Business Partnership Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and risk matters Provide guidance on complex legal issues and high-stakes business decisions Support the development of new insurance products and policy structures Establish and promote best practices in corporate governance and risk management Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan 8-10+ years of experience in Michigan insurance law and regulatory matters Deep expertise in No-Fault, auto insurance defense, and related litigation Proven experience building, scaling, or managing legal teams or departments Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into business-focused guidance What Sets This Role Apart Opportunity to build and lead an in-house legal operation from inception High visibility and direct partnership with executive leadership Significant influence over legal strategy, business operations, and long-term growth A rare combination of legal authority, operational ownership, and strategic impact Compensation & Benefits Competitive executive-level compensation (commensurate with experience) Performance-based incentives Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) with company match Generous paid time off and holidays