VP Claims Litigation & Panel Counsel Management

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, ESG initiatives and IDE journey.

Our claims team is currently seeking a Head of Litigation Management to join our team. This is a full time/exempt role and can accommodate either Hybrid work schedule or Fully remote schedule.

Position Overview:

A member of the Claims Legal Services organization, this leadership role is responsible for managing relationships with the external law firms (“panel law firms’) that provide legal services to or on behalf of Hanover’s claims organization and for improving the processes and operations of the practice groups within Hanover’s Claims Legal Services organization (Panel Counsel Management, Staff Counsel, Extracontractual Litigation and Coverage Counsel.) 

This role will directly lead the panel counsel management team, which assesses the qualifications and performance of current and prospective panel law firms; actively manages and works collaboratively with panel firms to ensure that they meet Hanover’s performance standards; negotiates panel firm billing rates; develops alternative fee arrangements for appropriate case types; uses billing software and professional judgment to review legal invoices for conformity with billing guidelines; and drives best in class outcomes while managing legal expenses through extensive use of data in partnership with Hanover’s Analytics team. Additionally, working collaboratively with the Hanover’s Strategy and Performance Improvement team, this role is responsible for optimizing the operations and processes that enable the practice groups within Hanover’s Claim Legal Services organization to provide high quality and cost-effective legal services.

This position will report to the Vice President of Claims Legal Services and interface directly with line-of-business, technical, and financial counterparts.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WOLL:

• Collaborates with Claims groups to understand their litigation needs and ensures that firm services and performance align with organizational goals.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with existing and prospective panel firms.
• Negotiates rates and resolves disputes with panel firms.    
• Actively manages Hanover’s list of panel law firms, removing firms where appropriate and adding firms as necessary to meet performance standards.
• Develop policies and procedures governing the operations of the panel counsel management team.
• Develop and implement an enhanced legal quality audit program.
• Maintain and amend as necessary panel counsel guidelines including service levels agreements, communication expectations, legal quality and billing guidelines, and performance metrics.
• Partner with Claims leaders to develop and update Litigation Management Guidelines for claims professionals. 
• Design and implement operational and process improvements that support the delivery of quality and cost-efficient legal services by Hanover’s internal Claim Legal practice groups.  
• Partner with Claims Analytics to identify, develop and monitor KPIs related to legal spend and law firm performance through reports and dashboards, and take necessary actions in response to trends and insights.
• Utilize predictive models to drive best in class outcomes and optimize legal spend.
• Stay up to date with relevant legal developments, industry trends, innovation opportunities and best practices

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• A minimum of 15 years’ collective experience in insurance claims litigation.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience (10 or more preferred) in the direct oversight and management of outside law firms who litigate liability claims for insurers.  
• Exceptional ability to analyze issues, pro-actively develop effective strategies, and influence others.
• Highly effective at communicating, managing relationships, and resolving disputes with leaders of panel law firms.
• Current bar license.
• Prior management or supervisory experience in an in-house or private law firm engaged in insurance defense law is desired.
• Strong analytical skills, including facility with PowerBI dashboards, Excel reports and analysis, and predictive models.
• Executive presence and leadership skills necessary to drive, influence, and execute our litigation management initiatives across the claims organization.
• Broad substantive and/or geographic litigation experience is a plus.

Physical Demands and 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 more than 40 hours per week as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

BENEFITS:

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you’ll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Company paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
• Click here for the full list of Benefits

EEO statement:

The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers.  The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.  

Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.” 

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at: HRServices@hanover.com and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

Privacy Policy:

To view our privacy policy and online privacy statement, click here.  

Applicants who are California residents: To see the types of information we may collect from applicants and employees and how we use it, please click here.