Panel Counsel Manager

Company: Sentry Insurance
Location: Stevens Point
Posted on: April 8, 2025

Job Description:

As Panel Counsel Manager, you and your team will lead the strategic management of our outsourced legal counsel, ensuring high-quality legal services aligned with our organization's objectives and policyholder's needs. Your role will be directly involved in the selection, performance, and collaboration of panel counsel to effectively address Sentry's claim department legal needs while managing risks for our policyholders and maintaining cost-efficiency.This position will report to a Sentry office under our hybrid work model. What You'll Do:

• Manage an assigned team of audit attorneys and legal support staff.
• Collaborate with claims staff to identify and evaluate law firms and attorneys based on their expertise, track record, and alignment with our legal requirements and values.
• Provides recommendations as requested by claims staff on the selection of independent legal counsel to handle claims as appropriate,
• Manage the overall selection of panel counsel across all lines of business and all states and provinces.
• Negotiates contracts with panel counsel, including rates, terms, and service level agreements to establish clear expectations and ensure cost-effective level representation for our policyholders.
• Monitors the performance of panel counsel including adherence to deadlines and quality standards, and take appropriate actions when counsel does not follow guidelines consistent with Sentry policy and philosophy.
• Fosters productive relationships and open communication between panel counsel and claims staff, facilitating collaboration, driving consensus, sharing of information, and alignment on legal strategies.
• Oversees legal costs of outside counsel and take appropriate action, reviews request for fee increases and review legal bills to enforce standard billing practices in the audit process for our outsourced legal services. What it Takes:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, Juris Doctor preferred
  • 8+ years of related work experience, Substantial jury trial experience in insurance defense preferred
  • Wide breadth of knowledge and experience in defense and/or insurance claims
  • Strong firm management skills
  • Ability to interact at all levels of management as an attorney and senior advisor
  • Good human relations and communication skills
  • Must have the ability to travel as necessary to satisfactorily complete their job responsibilities as assigned. What You'll Receive:At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation. Below are some benefits and perks that you'll receive.
    • Sentry is happy to offer flexibility through a scheduled Hybrid work model. Monday and Friday work from home if you choose to, Tuesday through Thursday you'll work in office.
    • As a Sentry associate, you will have an in-office workspace and materials for your home office. In addition to the laptop, you will receive prior to your start, Sentry will provide equipment for your home office.
    • Meal Subsidy available for associates who report to an office.
    • 401(K) plan with a dollar for dollar match on your first eight percent, plus immediate vesting to help strengthen your financial future.
    • Continue your education and career development through Sentry University (SentryU) and utilize our Tuition Reimbursement program
    • Generous Paid-Time Off plan for you to enjoy time out of the office as well as Volunteer-Time off
    • Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Parental leave, and our Health and Wellness benefits to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
    • Well-being and Employee Assistance programs
    • Sentry Foundation gift matching program to encourage charitable giving.About Sentry:We take great pride in making Forbes' list of America's Best Midsize Employers. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction.Our bright future is built on a long track record of success. We got our start in 1904 and have been helping businesses succeed and protect their futures ever since. Because of the trust placed in us, we're one of the largest and financially strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. We're rated A+ by A.M. Best, the industry's leading rating authority.Our headquarters is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with offices located throughout the United States. From sales to claims, and information technology to marketing, we enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment with opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth.Get ready to own your future at Sentry. Opportunities await!Joe LarsenTalent Acquisition Specialist...@sentry.comEqual Employment OpportunitySentry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that there be no discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation. Associated topics: assistant general manager, executive producer, executive team leader, fire captain, fire marshal, lieutenant, planning operations, sergeant, shift supervisor, team lead

Keywords: Sentry Insurance, Sheboygan , Panel Counsel Manager, Executive , Stevens Point, Wisconsin