Assistant Vice President - Enterprise Litigation & Claims Counsel

Assistant Vice President (AVP)– Enterprise Litigation & Claims Counsel
Horace Mann Educators Corporation – Remote (U.S.) or Hybrid (Springfield, IL / Plano, TX / Madison, WI)
Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two teachers who saw the need for quality, affordable auto insurance for educators. Since then, we have expanded our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. We serve school districts nationwide and are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN). For more information, visit
As a leading insurance and financial services company focused on meeting the evolving needs of K-12 educators and employees of other non-profit organizations, we are seeking an Assistant Vice President (AVP)– Enterprise Litigation Counsel to join our Office of the General Counsel, Law Division. This position offers flexible work arrangements, including fully remote or hybrid options (Springfield, IL, Addison, TX, or Madison, WI), with occasional travel for key meetings and collaboration.
The Opportunity
This is a highly visible role responsible for leading litigation strategy across the enterprise while remaining closely engaged in the management of significant matters. The AVP – Enterprise Litigation & Claims Counsel will oversee complex, high-exposure, and precedent-setting litigation, partner directly with senior leadership, and play a key role in how the organization evaluates and manages legal risk.
This position is well-suited for an experienced litigator with a demonstrated background in insurance coverage and extra-contractual/bad faith matters who is seeking to broaden their impact beyond individual cases into enterprise-level strategy while remaining engaged in substantive legal work.  The position also requires a business-centric, strategic thinker who has the ability to work proactively with claims and other key business stakeholders to provide exceptional counseling to mitigate litigation risk.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and execute litigation strategy for complex, high-exposure, and precedent-setting matters across the enterprise
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership by providing practical, risk-based legal guidance on significant issues
Direct and manage outside counsel, including active involvement in litigation plans, budgets, pleadings, discovery, motions, and overall case strategy
Partner with outside counsel in litigation matters as appropriate, including participation in negotiations and key strategic decisions
Partner closely with Claims leadership on litigation involving coverage, first-party claims, and extra-contractual/bad faith exposure
Identify litigation trends and emerging risks, and proactively develop enterprise-wide risk mitigation strategies
Support regulatory inquiries, market conduct matters, and broader enterprise risk management initiatives
Establish consistent legal positions and best practices across jurisdictions and business lines
Manage litigation-related legal spend, including forecasting, budgeting, and cost control
Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active bar membership in good standing (ability to register as in-house counsel in applicable jurisdictions as needed)
12+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on complex litigation
Meaningful experience with insurance coverage, first-party claims, and extra-contractual/bad faith litigation
Experience handling or advising on high-exposure, complex litigation matters involving significant financial or reputational risk
Demonstrated experience managing significant litigation matters and working closely with outside counsel
Strong litigation judgment and ability to operate independently with limited oversight
Executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively and build credibility with senior leadership
Experience in the insurance or financial services industry and/or prior in-house experience preferred
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly to diverse audiences
Trial experience required
Why Join Horace Mann
Opportunity to take ownership of significant litigation matters while shaping enterprise-wide strategy
Direct engagement with senior leadership and meaningful influence on business decisions
A role that combines hands-on litigation involvement with broader strategic responsibility
Flexible work environment with fully remote or hybrid options
Competitive compensation and company-wide bonus program
Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage
Matching 401(k) plan and generous paid time off
The duties listed in this job description do not limit the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of duties to be performed in this position.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Pay Range:
$124,200.00 - $175,800.00/annually
Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.
 
Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow.  And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth:  We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets.
We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to look after theirs.  We help educators identify their financial goals and develop plans to achieve them.  This includes insurance to protect what they have today and financial products to help them prepare for their future. Our tailored offerings include special rates and benefits for educators.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status
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