Litigation & Legal Director

Hastings Mutual Insurance Co•Hastings, MI

55d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Litigation & Legal Director provides corporate litigation and legal leadership that supports Hastings' strategic plan and mission. This role manages high-exposure litigation, serves as a key advisor to the Chief Legal Officer, and oversees the Corporate Litigation team responsible for liability assessments, reserves, counsel management, and case resolution. The Director also contributes to governance, compliance, and enterprise risk management initiatives across the organization. Location & Schedule: This position will work in a hybrid format at our Hastings, MI corporate headquarters. This role will generally work within our standard office hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, however work may occur at times outside of these hours. About Us: At Hastings Insurance, we're more than an insurance provider- we're a trusted partner to our agents, policyholders, and the communities we serve. For over 135 years, we've been helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most and rebuild after loss. We're proud to be rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, recognizing our enduring financial strength and stability. While our heritage runs deep, we're always looking ahead. We embrace emerging technologies, cultivate strong partnerships with independent agents, and continuously evolve our products to meet the needs of today's customers. Our strategy is focused on responsible growth, expanding our reach while staying innovative, agile, and committed to personalized service. Our people are the heart of everything we do. Our talented team members -many recognized as industry experts- are passionate about delivering exceptional service, driving progress, and making a real impact. At Hastings Insurance, we foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and appreciation for the diverse skills and ideas our employees bring. Our Commitment as an Employer: We believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive teams drive innovation and strengthen our organization. We're committed to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we make employment decisions based on business needs, role requirements, and individual qualifications-without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, appearance, disability, veteran status, family status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also understand the importance of providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, Juris Doctor (JD), and insurance education required.
Minimum 3 years' experience in claims or litigation management; management experience preferred.
Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to lead through others.
Solid understanding of insurance policy forms, coverages, and reserving practices.
Proficiency with claim management systems and Microsoft Office tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

CPCU, CIC, API, or AIS designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of 5-7 litigation professionals and support staff.
Manage all aspects of corporate and mass-tort litigation exceeding $1M in exposure.
Direct outside counsel to ensure equitable, cost-effective litigation outcomes.
Oversee and evaluate reserve adequacy and litigation performance metrics.
Provide expert consultation on coverage, exposure, and litigation strategy.
Support corporate legal matters, including governance, risk management, and contract oversight.
Advise leadership on emerging regulatory, judicial, and industry developments.
Manage expenses and vendor engagements within assigned authority.
Participate in professional development and continuous improvement activities.
Travel periodically to mediations, hearings, and industry meetings.