(EXCLUSIVE) HEAD OF IN-HOUSE LITIGATION TEAM FOR PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURER (Fully Remote or Hybrid Atlanta) - Our client is seeking a senior legal leader to oversee the performance and growth of its in-house defense law function while ensuring full alignment across all external counsel partners. This role is responsible for building a unified, high-performing defense system where internal attorneys and outside counsel operate under shared expectations, standards, and operating rhythms.
This is both a leadership and integration roleโfocused on strengthening in-house capabilities, driving consistency in litigation strategy execution, and ensuring external law firms deliver cost-effective, high-quality outcomes aligned with enterprise objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in litigation leadership, legal operations, and counsel management, with the ability to drive accountability across a distributed legal ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
โข Lead and develop litigation service delivery, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes and a strong policyholder experience
โข Own growth strategy, including staffing models, jurisdictional expansion, and readiness for complex matters
โข Establish and maintain operating standards, workflows, and playbooks for litigated cases
โข Oversee performance of internal legal teams, including outcomes, efficiency, and file quality
โข Define and manage external counsel strategy, including selection, onboarding, and performance expectations
โข Ensure external firms operate in alignment with internal standards, strategy, and operating cadence
โข Drive execution discipline through governance routines, reporting, and trial readiness practices
โข Oversee legal spend management, including billing practices, rate strategy, and alternative fee arrangements
โข Lead vendor and expert strategy to ensure cost efficiency and consistency across matters
โข Use performance data and insights to drive continuous improvement and accountability across all counsel
Qualifications:
โข Juris Doctor (JD) required; active bar membership preferred
โข 15+ years of experience in litigation, insurance defense, and/or legal operations environments
โข Proven experience leading in-house legal teams and managing external counsel relationships
โข Strong background in litigation strategy execution and legal operations management
โข Demonstrated ability to design and scale legal operating models
โข Experience driving consistency and accountability across distributed legal teams
โข Strong financial acumen with experience managing legal spend, billing, and vendor relationships
โข Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a legal operations or litigation executive who excels at building aligned systems, driving performance across both internal and external teams, and ensuring consistent, cost-effective defense outcomes at scale.
The role can be fully remote or follow a hybrid schedule for candidates based in Atlanta. A competitive compensation package is offered, including base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentive opportunities.
For consideration, please submit your resume to jobs@partners-group.com.