Corporate Counsel – Litigation & Insurance Claims

Hibbett•Birmingham, AL

23d

About The Position

JD Group North America is looking for an experienced litigation attorney to join our fast-paced Legal team and play a critical role in supporting our sports fashion retail brands, including JD Finish Line, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana; Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama; DTLR, headquartered in Hanover, Maryland; and Shoe Palace, headquartered in Morgan Hill, California. Our North American brands operate over 2,500 stores and employ over 40,000 employees across the United States, its territories, and Canada. This role will focus on managing all litigation matters, exclusive of employment-related disputes, and overseeing insurance claims in North America. Key areas of responsibility include managing or handling claims or lawsuits involving premises liability, property/casualty, auto liability, consumer matters, and workers’ compensation claims. The attorney will also assist with insurance renewals and support safety audits by providing legal guidance on risk mitigation and compliance. Responsibilities include coordinating with insurers, third-party administrators, and outside counsel, and delivering strategic legal advice to internal stakeholders in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. We’re passionate about helping our colleagues reach their full potential, while delivering exceptional service to our consumers. Our work environment is fun, challenging, and fast. With ambitious growth plans, JD Group North America is a place of opportunity where all colleagues can thrive.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in litigation, insurance law, risk management, and claims defense/handling within a large corporate or law firm environment.
Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement risk and claims management strategies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess legal risk, interpret policy language, and identify cost-effective solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to explain complex insurance concepts to non-experts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required and licensed to practice law in the United States.
Minimum of 2-5 years of experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in retail, consumer goods, or other complex multinational environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage all litigation matters in North America, excluding employment-related disputes.
Develop and execute effective litigation strategies that align with business goals and minimize exposure.
Direct and coordinate outside counsel, ensuring efficient case handling, cost control, and adherence to internal standards.
Review pleadings, discovery, and settlement proposals; represent the company’s interests in mediation and settlement discussions.
Prepare litigation status reports and updates as requested for internal leadership.
Lead investigations and legal recovery efforts related to property damage, breach of contract, or negligence by third parties where insurance does not apply.
Coordinate with Legal and business teams to pursue appropriate remedies.
Manage and monitor claims and lawsuits involving premises liability, property/casualty, auto liability, consumer issues, and workers’ compensation.
Provide legal guidance on insurance-related matters, including coverage disputes and claim denials.
Collaborate with insurers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and effective claims resolution.
Evaluate claim exposure, recommend strategies for mitigation, and oversee settlement decisions.
Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices for claims handling.
Maintain a comprehensive catalog of global insurance policies, coverage summaries, and key terms.
Provide legal analysis and coverage interpretation for business and legal teams.
Assist with annual insurance renewals by reviewing coverage terms, identifying risk areas, and supporting negotiations with brokers and insurers as needed.
Provide guidance on insurance coverage interpretation, claims notifications, and risk transfer issues.
Review and negotiate contract language concerning insurance requirements, indemnification, subrogation, and liability limitations to ensure risk is appropriately allocated and insurance policies can respond effectively.
Assist with insurance procurement process, including coordination of application data, risk exposure analysis, and policy selection.
Ensure alignment of coverage with business needs, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
Provide proactive legal guidance on risk management, safety programs, and regulatory compliance to reduce liability exposure.
Support and participate in safety audits and inspections by identifying legal risks and recommending corrective actions.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to analyze incident trends, root causes, and claims data to develop preventative measures.
Deliver training and guidance on incident reporting, claims prevention, and compliance with safety regulations.
Review and advise on company safety policies, procedures, and training materials to ensure alignment with applicable laws and standards.
Serve as the legal liaison for safety initiatives, helping integrate legal and risk perspectives into operational decision-making.
Provide clear, business-oriented legal advice to support informed decisions and continuous improvement in safety and risk practices.