Strategic Panel Counsel Manager

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values,Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture .

Our claims litigation management department is currently seeking a Strategic Panel Counsel Manager to join our growing team in the Worcester, MA , Itasca, IL or Windsor, CT office.

We offer a flexible hybrid work model that supports a blend of in-office and remote work. Fully remote work arrangements are also considered. This is a Full Time/Exempt role.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position plays a key role in Hanover’s panel management program, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership across a portfolio of outside counsel firms. The role serves as a liaison with Claims to align panel composition with litigation goals and business priorities. Responsibilities include evaluating firm performance, facilitating onboarding and engagement, and managing communications related to rate changes and strategic updates.

The candidate will leverage data analytics and reporting tools to assess firm effectiveness, recommend improvements, and support cost control initiatives. Additional duties include maintaining the panel counsel database, overseeing the vendor e-billing registration process, and contributing to cross-functional initiatives that advance legal operations and litigation strategy.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Strategic Oversight

• Serve as a strategic liaison with Claims to align on evolving panel needs, litigation goals, and operational priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of law firms, ensuring consistent performance, strategic fit, and alignment with business objectives.
• Assess law firm performance against the Hanover’s performance expectations and deliver actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and enterprise projects to support litigation strategy and legal operations transformation.

Relationship Management

• Facilitate regular engagement meetings with law firms to reinforce expectations, share feedback, and cultivate collaboration.
• Draft formal communications to law firms regarding rate changes, performance feedback, and strategic updates.
• Oversee onboarding of new law firms, including orientation to business expectations, litigation guidelines, and performance standards.
• Mentor peers and serve as a subject matter expert on panel counsel operations, legal quality, and strategic engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders across Claims, Finance, Legal Operations, Underwriting and other business units.

Data & Analytics

• Analyze firm-level data and performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational excellence.
• Utilize advanced reporting tools to evaluate firm performance and recommend rate adjustments based on data-driven insights.
• Maintain and enhance the panel counsel database to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and compliance.

Operational Excellence

• Conduct legal quality audits of panel firms to assess performance, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Negotiate rates and proactively explore cost saving measures to ensure fiscal discipline and adherence to enterprise guidelines.
• Coordinate law firm transitions and ensure seamless integration with claims systems, billing platforms, and operational workflows.

Process Improvement

• Support the development, implementation, and enforcement of outside counsel processes, tools, and billing guidelines.
• Identify litigation trends and recommend process improvements to meet evolving business needs and optimize outcomes.
• Respond to internal requests and evaluate new firm additions based on strategic fit, performance history, and business needs.

WHAT YOU NEED

TO APPLY:

• Juris Doctor (JD) and 5+ years of experience managing or overseeing litigation matters.
• Strong understanding of insurance claims litigation and related processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Power BI.
• Demonstrated data analytics capabilities and sound business judgment.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict…