Senior Staff Counsel

Hiscox•Miami, FL

1d•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Hiscox is seeking an entrepreneurial, driven senior lawyer to help establish and lead a new in-house litigation office in Florida. Based in Central or Southern Florida, with Orlando or Tampa preferred but location flexible for the ideal candidate, this role combines litigation strategy and operational leadership. The Senior Staff Counsel will manage and represent Hiscox insureds in a wide range of civil litigation matters in Florida state and federal courts, with a focus on general liability cases, while helping grow the practice and deliver cost-effective litigation aligned with Hiscox’s Claims and Legal philosophy. The role involves building and operating the Florida Staff Counsel office, managing a significant caseload, developing legal strategies, and ensuring high standards of client representation and service. The Senior Staff Counsel will work closely with Hiscox’s Legal and Claims teams, oversee and develop staff, and use technology and process improvements to enhance efficiency and support business objectives.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of the State Bar of Florida.
At least 10 years of litigation experience in Florida insurance defense or personal injury litigation.
Ability to independently and effectively manage a significant caseload in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Strong working knowledge of Florida law and civil procedure, particularly personal injury and other general liability cases.
Outstanding legal research, writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
Expertise in legal case management software, e-discovery tools, and other litigation-focused technologies.
Ownership mentality and ability to drive work forward independently.
Business acumen to identify opportunities and create a functional, efficient, and effective law firm.
Excellent communication skills and commitment to providing phenomenal service to internal and external clients.

Nice To Haves

Active membership in good standing of a bar in additional jurisdictions.
At least 3 years of management experience.

Responsibilities

Establish, operate, and manage Hiscox’s Florida Staff Counsel office in conjunction with the Legal and Claims teams, including hiring lawyers and non-lawyers, developing processes and procedures, and selecting and implementing software and technology.
Represent Hiscox policyholders in liability cases in courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.
Handle all phases of litigation, from initial investigation through trial and appeal.
Research laws and prepare legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda; provide opinions on liability, damages, and case value as requested by the Claims Department.
Prepare and handle pleadings, motions, and discovery, including depositions and examinations before and during trial.
Defend assigned matters through trial, arbitration, or mediation, as applicable, and meet deadlines and scheduled appearances.
Train and supervise attorneys, assist attorneys as first- or second-chair counsel or observe them at trials and arbitrations, monitor bar and MCLE requirements, and review file handling quality.
Travel to trials, hearings, arbitrations, depositions, management meetings, and conferences.
Identify and implement process automation, workflow enhancements, and efficient digital case management consistent with Hiscox strategy and business objectives.
Review office reports and data to improve statistics, including resolved ratios, subrogation results, and the timeliness of reporting to the Claims Department.
Serve as a strategic liaison between the Legal and Claims departments to align litigation goals with business priorities.
Implement e-discovery tools, case management systems, and process automation to improve workflow efficiency and reduce legal expenses.
Conduct or review associate performance appraisals and initiate or approve salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes.
Counsel associates and take disciplinary action or terminate employment as appropriate.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus based on personal and company performance.
401(k) with competitive company matching.
Comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental, and flexible spending account plans, including medical, limited-purpose, and dependent-care plans.
Company-paid group term life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
Paid parental leave.
Four-week paid sabbatical after every five years of service.
Financial adoption assistance and medical travel reimbursement programs.
Annual reimbursement up to $600 for health club membership or fitness program fees.
Health and wellness program recognized with the 2024 Cigna Well-Being Award.
Modern and open office spaces with complimentary drinks.