Vice President, Claims Legal

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The Vice President of Claims Legal is responsible for setting and executing the Claims litigation strategy, driving superior litigation outcomes, effective risk management, and disciplined legal spend. This role leads a multi-functional organization spanning Staff Legal, Legal Practices, and Legal Operations, and serves as a trusted advisor to Claims leadership on litigation trends, exposure, and strategic direction. The Vice President fosters a high-performing partnership model between Claims Lines of Business and Staff Legal, ensuring alignment to business priorities, consistency in legal practices, and delivery of optimal outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy, Litigation Leadership & Performance:

• Define and execute the Claims Legal and litigation strategy aligned to Claims and enterprise priorities.

• Establish litigation philosophy, including case disposition, trial posture, and risk management approach.

• Own and monitor performance outcomes across litigation effectiveness, suit disposition, cycle times, and expense management.

• Drive consistency in case valuation, reserving alignment, and litigation execution across jurisdictions.

Staff Legal & Litigation Execution:

• Lead Staff Legal in the delivery of high-quality, consistent litigation outcomes across all lines of business.

• Oversee litigation strategy and execution, including case management, resolution strategies, and escalation of complex or high-exposure matters.

• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of legal, ethical, and professional practice.

• Foster strong partnership and alignment between Staff Legal and Claims Lines of Business.

External Counsel & Legal Spend Management:

• Design and oversee a high-performing panel counsel strategy, including firm selection, engagement, and performance management.

• Own Claims Legal spend across Staff Counsel and external counsel, driving cost discipline and predictability.

• Implement data-driven approaches to vendor management, including rate strategy, alternative fee arrangements, and outcome-based performance evaluation.

• Ensure consistent standards for external counsel engagement, accountability, and outcomes.

Operations, Data & Transformation:

• Lead Claims Legal Operations to drive efficiency, scalability, and operational excellence.

• Leverage data, analytics, and insights to inform decision-making, improve outcomes, and enhance transparency.

• Partner with enterprise stakeholders to implement advanced analytics, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

• Drive continuous improvement across workflows, processes, and litigation management practices.

Talent Leadership & Enterprise Partnership:

• Lead and develop a high-performing, geographically dispersed organization, building leadership capability, succession depth, and an inclusive culture.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Claims leadership on litigation trends, portfolio risk, and strategic decisions.

• Represent Claims Legal in enterprise initiatives, governance forums, and cross-functional priorities.

• Influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across Claims, Legal, and enterprise partners.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar membership preferred; however, candidates with comparable legal leadership experience will also be considered.

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in litigation, insurance claims or staff counsel organizations.

• Proven ability to lead large, complex, and geographically dispersed organizations.

• Deep expertise in litigation strategy, liability and coverage, and legal operations within an insurance environment.

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior business leaders and drive alignment on litigation strategy, risk and outcomes.

Preferred:

• Experience leading both internal Staff Counsel and external panel counsel models.

• Strong understanding of Claims operations, litigation trends, and insurance regulatory environment.

• Demonstrated success driving operational transformation, legal spend optimization, and organizational effectiveness.

• Experience leveraging data, analytics, and AI-enabled solutions to improve litigation outcomes and decision-making.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age