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Insurance Defense Attorney Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens' insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and ...

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens' insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and ...

Segal McCambridge is expanding its Detroit (Southfield) office and seeking motivated Associate Attorneys to join our dynamic insurance defense and litigation practice. This is an excellent ...

Associate Attorney

Southfield, MI · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

... Attorney to join our dynamic team ... This role is ideal for a legal professional with a strong background in Insurance Defense, General ...

Segal McCambridge is expanding its Detroit (Southfield) office and seeking motivated Associate Attorneys to join our dynamic insurance defense and litigation practice. This is an excellent ...

Using an electronic case management system, you'll manage attorney calendars, coordinate ... Insurance defense or personal injury experience working in a law firm * Time management and ...

Segal McCambridge is expanding its Detroit (Southfield) office and seeking motivated Associate Attorneys to join our dynamic insurance defense and litigation practice. This is an excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

Insurance Defense Attorney information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$71.3K

$135K

$202.4K

How much do insurance defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance defense attorney in Detroit, MI is $134,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,900.00 and $153,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an insurance defense attorney?

An Insurance Defense Attorney is a lawyer who represents insurance companies and their policyholders in legal disputes, typically involving claims of liability or damages. Their primary role is to defend clients against lawsuits and help resolve claims efficiently, either through negotiation, settlement, or litigation. They often handle cases related to personal injury, property damage, professional liability, and other insurance-related matters. These attorneys analyze claims, develop legal strategies, and protect the interests of their clients throughout the legal process.

What does an insurance defense attorney do?

As an insurance defense attorney, your responsibilities are to provide civil litigation and insurance defense for a client or company. To accomplish this work as a lawyer, you analyze complex factual and legal issues, conduct research, create pleadings, and work on written discovery and depositions. You also provide timely communication to clients, courts, and other relevant parties, as well as help your client sue for breach of contract and provide other types of legal protection. You frequently communicate with courts, opposing counsel, co-counsel, and witnesses, and may prepare and present these witnesses at trials, hearings, arbitrations, and other types of dispute resolution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insurance defense attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insurance Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong litigation skills, and in-depth knowledge of insurance law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-discovery tools is essential. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, managing complex caseloads, and achieving successful outcomes in insurance-related disputes.

What are some common challenges faced by insurance defense attorneys in managing their caseloads?

Insurance Defense Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases simultaneously, each with its own deadlines, discovery requirements, and client communications. Managing competing priorities and staying organized is essential to ensure timely filings and effective representation. Attorneys in this field must also adapt to changing case strategies, evolving legal precedents, and frequent negotiations with opposing counsel, making time management and clear communication critical skills.

What is the difference between Insurance Defense Attorney vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance Defense AttorneyClaims Adjuster
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require a bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, insurance companies, government agenciesInsurance companies, third-party administrator offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, litigation, legal adviceClaims processing, investigation, settlement
Common Search/ComparisonLegal expertise, courtroom workClaims handling, settlement negotiation

Insurance Defense Attorneys primarily provide legal representation and advice in insurance disputes and litigation, requiring a law degree and license. Claims Adjusters focus on investigating and settling claims, often with a high school diploma or degree. While both roles work within the insurance industry, attorneys handle legal proceedings, whereas adjusters manage claims processing and negotiations.

What job categories do people searching Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Insurance Defense Attorney jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Insurance Defense Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Insurance Defense Attorney job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,961 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Handles a case load consisting primarily of large, complex, high exposure lawsuits

  • Provides direction and mentoring to other attorneys

  • May assist the Managing Attorney in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff


Hanover Insurance rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

172nd of 315 rated insurance


Job description

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, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture.
Our staff counsel team is currently seeking a Lead Attorney for its Michigan office.
As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens' insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and arbitration panels in all aspects of litigation. This is hybrid/full time/exempt role. Fully remote candidates may be 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:
  • Handles a case load consisting primarily of large, complex, high exposure lawsuits
  • May specialize in several areas of law
  • Provides direction and mentoring to others
  • May assist Managing Attorney as needed in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff

What you need to apply:
  • Must have extensive jury trial experience
  • Significant experience with commercial lines litigation
  • Knowledgeable in the basic principles of EPLI and employment law, health law, professional liability, business tort and general liability matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle exposures of over 1 million dollars
  • 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 MI
  • Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys, adjusters, claims professionals and support staff
  • Computer literacy, including MS Word, Lexis/Westlaw, and daily management of e-mail and calendar
  • Advocacy: Exceptional ability to assist, defend or plead for another on the most complex cases
  • Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to consistently and significantly influence claim outcomes through highly effective negotiation techniques
  • Communication: Strong 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
  • Decision Making: Strong ability to arrive at a determination in moderate to complex situations after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination
  • Organization Skills: Strong ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to effectively and efficiently maximize productivity
  • Investigative Skills: Proficiency in following up step by step on inquiry or observation and search and examine with care and accuracy. Consistently able to take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion
  • Legal Research: Proficiency in locating cases, treaties, codified laws and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a reasonable and accurate conclusion or render an opinion there from
  • Courtroom Skills: Demonstrates exceptional courtroom behavior, attire and decorum and is an expert with the rules and regulations that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Provides the highest professional service to clients and claims professionals
  • Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development. Maintains the necessary skill levels.
  • Trial Skills: Has a first rate ability to effectively present evidence and arguments of law to a judge or jury for determination of the facts at issue
  • Business/Industry: Has an interest and solid knowledge of current and possible future policies, practices, trends and information affecting The Hanover Insurance Group's businesses; Knowledgeable in the basic principles of property and casualty insurance
  • Agile and Adaptive: Recognizes unexpected challenges and is able to be resilient, shift and remain on course.
  • Mentor and Teach: Willingness and ability to mentor and teach others.

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

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
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.

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