Senior Counsel - Litigation

Senior Counsel - Litigation

Location: Hybrid - Albuquerque, NM

Compensation: Base $150K-$180K (DOE) + Quarterly bonuses up to $10K

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Litigation Counsel to lead and manage complex defense matters, with a focus on product liability, personal injury and catastrophic loss cases. The role will develop and implement litigation strategy, manage outside counsel, lead critical motions and depositions, and provide practical legal advice to business partners and claims teams. The ideal candidate combines strong courtroom experience with commercial judgment and a proven track record in insurance defense and high-exposure matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive litigation strategy for high-value product liability, personal injury and catastrophic loss matters.
• Manage and coordinate outside counsel, including selection, budgeting, performance oversight and billing reviews.
• Prepare, prosecute and defend dispositive and evidentiary motions; draft pleadings, briefs and other court filings.
• Lead and take depositions, prepare witnesses and manage discovery processes to ensure compliance and cost-effective outcomes.
• Conduct case evaluation and make recommendations on case resolution, settlement strategy and reserve levels in collaboration with claims and risk teams.
• Provide timely, practical legal counseling to internal stakeholders including claims, product, risk management and senior leadership.
• Supervise and mentor junior litigation attorneys and paralegals; develop best practices, playbooks and trial preparation plans.
• Monitor litigation trends, regulatory developments and relevant case law to inform company-wide risk mitigation and product decisions.
• Manage litigation budgets, vendor relationships and reporting of key metrics to senior leadership and legal operations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice in New Mexico
• 7+ years of litigation experience, with substantial experience in product liability, personal injury and catastrophic loss matters.
• Proven experience in insurance defense, including handling high-exposure cases from early investigation through trial and appeal.
• Demonstrated trial and courtroom experience, with strong skills in taking and defending depositions and litigating dispositive motions.
• Strong litigation drafting and legal research skills, including experience drafting pleadings, motions and appellate briefs.
• Track record of effectively managing outside counsel and litigation budgets and applying sound business judgment to case resolution and settlement.
• Excellent oral advocacy, negotiation and interpersonal skills; ability to advise business partners and present to senior executives.
• Able to manage multiple matters and priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience with or exposure to claims handling, insurance coverage issues, and coordination with claims and risk teams preferred.

Benefits

• Base $150K-$180K (DOE)
• Quarterly bonus opportunities up to $10K/q
• Medical, Vision, Dental
• 401k
• HSA
• State Bar Dues
• Continuing Education
• Paid Parking