Director- Claims Legal (Managing Attorney)

Recognized as aMilwaukee Journal SentinelTop Workplace for 14 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.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced claims attorney who has also led other attorneys. This role will lead many strategic initiatives pertaining to our claims legal division while also providing minimal guidance and direction to our current group of claims attorneys.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule (3 days/week). Candidates who are located within 50 miles of a West Bend office location will work a hybrid schedule for collaboration days, team meetings or other in-person events.

(PLEASE NOTE: This role will require you to work in our corporate HQ in West Bend, WI.)

We are seeking a highly experienced Claims Legal Director to lead a specialized team of litigation attorneys in managing complex, high-exposure lawsuit files. This leadership role is instrumental in shaping both short- and long-term legal strategies that support our broader claims and underwriting objectives.

As the Claims Legal Director, you will collaborate closely with Claims leadership to maintain a high-performing defense counsel panel and optimize our legal bill review system. You'll be at the forefront of legal trend analysis, advising on the operational implications for underwriting, product administration, and claims.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage a team of litigation attorneys, overseeing complex and high-value legal matters.
• Develop and execute legal strategies that mitigate enterprise risk and drive optimal claim outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with litigation best practices and provide direction to defense counsel.
• Monitor legal developments and trends to support strategic decision-making across departments.
• Offer expert guidance on policy interpretation, case evaluations, negotiations, and coverage issues.
• Participate in high-stakes litigation roundtables and decision-making on key expenditures.
• Oversee special legal projects and serve as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders.
• Select, mentor, and develop legal team members through regular performance reviews and growth planning.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in insurance-related litigation.
• Proven track record in supervising legal staff or attorneys.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clear legal advice in complex, fast-paced environments.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar.
• CPCU designation preferred.
• Completion of Program in General Insurance is a plus.

#LI-BW1

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:

• Medical & Prescription Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates
• Bonus eligible based on performance
• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

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.