Managing Trial Attorney

About the Role:

As a Managing Trial Attorney, you will function much like a managing partner—owning office performance, cultivating client relationships, guiding litigation strategy, and developing a high‑performing team of trial attorneys and paralegals. You’ll collaborate closely with regional and national leadership to drive excellence, improve results, and support the ongoing growth of our trial practices.

This role is work‑from‑office in Seattle, with limited travel and the flexibility of Nationwide’s Success Flex workplace approach.

• Drive strategic, operational, and cultural leadership for the Seattle Trial Division office.
• Manage approximately six direct reports, including attorneys and paralegals; may oversee attorneys practicing in Oregon.
• Lead staffing, budget oversight, workflow, performance assessment, and office health metrics.
• Partner with Business Operations on administrative support, technology, real estate needs, and office relocations or expansions.

• Provide oversight of Commercial and Personal Lines litigation, including:
• Bodily Injury (Commercial, Auto, Homeowners, Dog Bite)
• Complex Commercial & Complex Personal Lines
• Property Damage
• Products Liability
• Ensure quality, consistency, and strategic excellence on open and closed files; occasionally handle a limited personal caseload (up to 5 cases).

• Mentor, train, and develop attorneys, paralegals, and staff; build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with National Practice Group AVPs to enhance specialty and niche practice expertise.
• Lead action plans to address performance opportunities and maintain regulatory and practice compliance.

• Cultivate trusted partnerships with claims organizations at all levels.
• Strengthen relationships to increase case referrals and align on litigation strategies across new products and emerging liability trends.

• Analyze business and litigation trends, prepare reports, and propose long‑term operational recommendations.
• Support initiatives that increase efficiency, elevate legal quality, and reduce cost.
• Ensure attorneys and staff remain current with necessary technology and systems.

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active law licenses in both Washington and Oregon (required).
• Minimum 15 years of civil litigation and trial experience, with substantial jury trial work as lead counsel.
• Demonstrated management experience leading attorneys and legal teams.
• Deep knowledge in complex litigation and multi‑line practice areas.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Ability to build high‑trust relationships, influence across levels, and navigate high‑stakes decisions.

Nationwide Trial Division is a collaborative national network with ~40 offices across six regions. We are committed to delivering industry‑leading legal representation and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where attorneys can thrive professionally and personally. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to influence legal strategy at scale—without billable hour requirements.

• Travel: Occasional, including overnight travel
• Schedule: 38.75 hours/week
• Reports To: Regional Associate Vice President
• Direct Reports: Attorneys and paralegals (approx.
  6)
• Work Environment: Office‑based, extended hours may occur
• Requirements: Background and credit check; valid driver’s license

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities of this job, a valid credit check and/or background will be required as part of the selection process.

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days…