Lead Attorney

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join our Staff Counsel office as a Lead Attorney for our Michigan location.

This full‑time, exempt role offers the flexibility of remote work while allowing you to contribute meaningfully to a high‑impact, growing legal team. As a Lead Attorney, you will provide legal representation to Hanover/Citizens insureds before courts and arbitration panels across all phases of litigation. The position is hybrid for those near the Michigan office, with fully remote candidates considered.

Position Overview:

Investigates and manages and tries the most complex cases in the region. This attorney’s inventory will possess the largest and most complex matters referred from claims. Other attorney’s may be assigned to work under this attorney’s direction on case-by-case basis where case complexity requires multiple attorneys to be assigned to the file. Lead trial attorney will serve as mentor to other developing trial attorneys.

In this Role you will:

• Must have jury trial experience
• Significant experience with commercial lines litigation
• Handles a case load consisting primarily of large complex high exposure lawsuits
• May specialize in several areas of law
• Provides direction and mentoring to other attorneys and claim professionals
• May assist Managing Attorney as needed in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff

What you need to apply:

• Must have minimum 10-15 years litigation experience; first chair trial experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to handle exposures of over 1 million dollars
• Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys adjusters and other claims professionals and support staff
• Must have a valid driver's license an acceptable MVR and an ability to maintain confidentiality
• Admitted to the bar and must be licensed to practice law in Michigan
• Advocacy: Has the knowledge and ability to assist defend or plead for another
• Communication: Has a knowledge and ability to deliberately and precisely exchange thoughts and opinions with one or more persons and to effectively translate legal language and ideas into layman's terms
• Organization Skills: Must have the ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to effectively maximize productivity
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrates an ability to conduct communication or conferences with a view toward reaching a settlement agreement or compromise. Must make effective use of the process whereby submission and consideration of offers is until an acceptable agreement is reached
• Decision Making: Has the ability to arrive at a determination after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination
• Trial Skills: Has a demonstrated record of successful insurance defense jury trial experience.
• Insurance: Knowledgeable in the basic principles of property and casualty insurance including commercial lines
• Investigative Skills: Has an ability to follow up step by step on inquiry or observation; to trace or track search or examine with care and accuracy. Specifically must take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion
• Legal Research: Must demonstrate the ability to locate cases treaties codified laws and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a conclusion or render an opinion there from
• Courtroom Skills: Has appropriate courtroom behavior attire and decorum and is familiar with the rules and regulations that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Dedication to providing the highest professional customer service to clients and claims professionals. Maintains the necessary skill levels

Desired skills and experience:

• Computer literacy including proficiency in MS Word and use of email
• Business/Industry: Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies practices trends and information affecting The Hanover Insurance Group’s businesses
• Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development

Physical demands & work environment:

• Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Required to work on-site as needed
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in a fast paced changing or stressful environment
• Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle