Senior Manager, Litigation at American Family Insurance in Madison, WI

Job description

As a Senior Manager, Litigation, you will serve as a strategic leader responsible for overseeing complex litigation matters, managing legal risk, and driving excellence in case outcomes. This role combines legal expertise, leadership, and business acumen to ensure high-quality representation while protecting the interests of both our insureds and the organization. You will lead a team of attorneys responsible for supervising outside counsel in the management of some of the most complex cases. You will report to a director, legal. In this primarily home-based position, candidates must reside within 35-50 miles of one of the following locations: Madison, WI; Boston, MA; Hopkins, MN; Keene; NH; Atlanta, GA. Position Compensation Range: $150,000.00 - $255,000.00 Pay Rate Type: Salary Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates. Primary Accountabilities Lead Litigation Strategy Direct and influence legal strategies for complex, high-exposure litigation matters. Partner with staff attorneys and outside counsel to develop effective approaches, evaluate risks, and drive optimal case outcomes. Manage Outside Counsel Relationships Select, negotiate, and manage partnerships with outside law firms and litigation vendors, ensuring exceptional service, cost effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives. Drive Resolution Decisions Evaluate litigation exposure and business impact to determine whether cases should be tried, settled, or otherwise resolved. Exercise settlement authority and provide guidance on high-stakes decisions. Assess and Mitigate Legal Risk Continuously analyze litigation trends, case developments, and potential exposures to proactively manage risk for both insureds and the company. Ensure Excellence in Representation Oversee legal work performed by staff counsel and outside counsel to ensure representation meets the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and compliance with applicable legal and ethical requirements. Provide Trusted Legal Leadership Serve as a strategic advisor on complex legal matters, offering insight, guidance, and expertise to attorneys, business partners, and senior leadership. Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, trust, and inclusion. Set clear expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and support the professional growth and development of team members. Influence Across the Organization Partner with department and division leaders to advance strategic priorities, champion organizational initiatives, and help shape the future direction of the litigation function. Champion Company Values Actively support the organization's mission, vision, and values while promoting a culture built on integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements Demonstrated effective leadership skills. Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support or service. Demonstrated civil trial experience. Demonstrated experience dealing with issues related to (i) tort law, (ii) litigation practice, and (iii) property and casualty insurance contracts, law and regulation. Extensive knowledge and understanding of rules of Professional Responsibility for the jurisdiction in which they practice. Extensive knowledge and understanding of tort, contract, and insurance law. Admitted to the state bar in the state where they are located or (1) admission to the bar within one year of hire for individuals who must pass a bar exam or portions of a bar exam to be admitted or (2) bar admission as soon as practicable but no later than 60 days of hire for individuals with diploma privilege or who are eligible for in-house counsel registration. Juris Doctor Additional Specialized Knowledge & Skills Previous experience leading outside counsel. Coverage experience preferred. Travel Requirements Up to 50%. Physical Require