Counsel, Contracts & Distribution

Title: Counsel, Contracts & DistributionLocation: Austin, TX / Dallas, TX / Morristown, NJ Reporting to: Associate General Counsel, Insurance & DistributionAbout Hippo:Hippo was built on a promise: make homeownership effortless. Nearly a decade later, that mission still drives us. We use technology and data to help our customers stay ahead of problems and protect what matters most. Today, that same tech-native approach powers our work beyond homeowners. Hippo operates as a diversified carrier platform, partnering with MGAs to deliver tailored program solutions that help them grow and deliver better customer experiences. Behind that work is a team that values ownership, curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. If you're energized by building what's next, we'd love to meet you. About This Role:We’re looking for a business-minded in-house attorney to support contracting across our technology, vendor, and insurance distribution partnerships. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys negotiating complex agreements, improving processes, and translating legal risk into practical business guidance.You’ll work cross-functionally with Procurement, Technology, Marketing, Compliance, and Insurance teams to help Hippo grow responsibly and efficiently in a highly regulated P&C environment. This is an individual contributor role for someone who enjoys owning their work, improving systems, and operating close to the business.What You’ll Do:Lead Commercial & Distribution ContractingDraft, review, and negotiate a broad range of agreements, including SaaS and AI agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and producer/carrier distribution agreementsAdvise stakeholders on contractual risk, regulatory considerations, and business implicationsPartner with internal teams to align contract structure with business goalsIndependently manage a high volume of commercial and distribution agreements from intake through execution, balancing speed and riskProvide clear, concise risk assessments and recommended paths forward to internal stakeholdersEscalate non-standard or high-risk issues appropriately while proposing practical solutionsOwn & Improve Contracting OperationsServe as a key point of contact for contracting workflow and process improvementsMaintain and update templates, playbooks, and standard formsEstablish and track contracting metrics to improve turnaround time and reduce risk exposureIdentify recurring friction points in contracting and implement scalable solutions to improve turnaround time and consistencyContribute to the development of playbooks, fallback positions, and self-service tools for business partnersEnable Compliant GrowthProvide guidance on 50-state insurance regulations and federal/state consumer protection laws (e.g., TCPA, FCRA)Support marketing reviews with practical, compliant recommendationsAdvise on data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI-related considerations in vendor and technology agreementsPartner Across the OrganizationCollaborate with legal colleagues on regulatory and compliance initiativesSupport training and cross-functional educationTranslate complex legal concepts into actionable, business-friendly adviceBuild strong working relationships with Procurement, Technology, and Insurance teams to proactively address legal considerations early in the contracting lifecycleMust Haves:J.D. and active U.S. bar license5+ years of relevant legal experience (law firm and/or in-house)Experience negotiating technology and commercial agreementsExperience in the insurance industry or advising procurement/vendor management functionsStrong understanding of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory risk in a P&C environmentNice To Haves:Direct experience with insurance distribution agreements (producer/carrier relationships)Experience working with SaaS, AI, or insurtech vendorsExperience improving legal workflows or contract lifecycle management systemsBenefits and PerksHippo treats its team members with the same level of dedication and care as we do our customers, which is why we’re fortunate to provide all of our Hippos with:Healthy Hippos Benefits - Multiple medical plan options, 100% covered dental and vision for you and your family, and a wellness program that rewards healthy habits. We also offer a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Equity -This position is eligible for equity compensation Training and Career Growth - Training and internal career growth opportunitiesFlexible Time Off - You know when and how you should rechargeLittle Hippos Program - We offer 12 weeks of parental leave for primary and secondary caregiversHippo Habitat - Snacks and drinks available for onsite employees The Morristown, NJ base pay range for this role is $180,000 – $210,000. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, location, business needs and market demands.Hippo is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Hippo’s applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to an applicant’s disability or need for accommodation. Any Hippo applicant who requires reasonable accommodations during the application process should contact the Hippo’s People Team to make the need for an accommodation known. Applicant & Employee Privacy Notice (CCPA/CPRA)