Staff Counsel

Hiscox • Miami, FL

1d • $150,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Hiscox is seeking an entrepreneurial, driven senior lawyer to be a founding member of its newly formed in-house Staff Counsel organization in Central or Southern Florida. Orlando or Tampa is preferred, but the location may be based on the ideal candidate. The Staff Counsel will represent Hiscox policyholders in a wide range of civil litigation matters in Florida state and federal courts, with a focus on general liability cases. The role combines litigation strategy and case management with helping establish and grow the Florida office in alignment with Hiscox’s Claims/Legal philosophy and business objectives.

The counsel will independently manage a caseload, develop legal strategies, and ensure high standards of client representation and service. Responsibilities also include building office operations, hiring non-lawyer staff, developing processes and procedures, implementing software and technology, training and supporting other lawyers and staff, and coordinating with Legal and Claims teams. The position involves travel for trials, hearings, arbitrations, depositions, meetings, and conferences.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum 7–10 years of proven 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 build a functional, efficient, and effective law firm.
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to providing exceptional service to internal and external clients.

Nice To Haves

• Active bar membership in jurisdictions in addition to Florida.

Responsibilities

• Establish and operate Hiscox’s Florida Staff Counsel office in conjunction with Legal and Claims teams, including hiring non-lawyer staff, developing processes and procedures, and selecting and implementing software and other technology.
• Represent Hiscox policyholders in liability cases in Florida courts of limited and unlimited jurisdiction.
• Handle all phases of assigned litigation, from initial investigation through trials and appeals.
• Research laws and prepare legal briefs, opinions, and memoranda; provide opinions on liability, damages, and case value as requested.
• 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 assist lawyers and staff, including supporting lawyers as first or second chair and observing trials and arbitrations.
• Monitor applicable bar requirements, including Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirements, and review file handling quality.
• Travel to trials, hearings, arbitrations, depositions, management meetings, and conferences.
• Identify and implement process automation, workflow improvements, and efficient digital case management consistent with Hiscox strategy and business objectives.
• Act as a strategic liaison between Legal and Claims to align litigation goals with business priorities.
• Conduct or review staff performance appraisals and initiate or approve salary adjustments, performance ratings, and other personnel changes.

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.
• 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 fees associated with a fitness program.
• Health and wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree