Counsel, Litigation Management & Product Liability

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. Wepride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

The Counsel - Litigation & Product Liability position is responsible for assisting in the management of the company's litigation portfolio, with responsibility for product liability claims and broader litigation arising from the manufacture, distribution, and sale of hearth products and workplace furnishing products as well as other litigation and claims matters that may arise. This role provides critical legal support on product safety and quality issues, claims management, internal and external investigations, and regulatory matters. The position partners closely with risk management, engineering, Quality, EHS, and Operations teams to effectively manage claims, support investigations, and mitigate legal and business risks.

The ideal candidate combines strong litigation experience with sound judgment and a practical, business-oriented approach to problem solving. Candidates with product liability litigation experience, familiarity with product safety and quality investigations, and experience in manufacturing, industrial, or consumer products environments are particularly desirable.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility.
• Provides functional leadership to outside counsel and external service providers.
• Coordinates activities with insurers, claims administrators, experts, and internal stakeholders.
• May mentor junior attorneys, paralegals, or legal operations personnel.

Worksite

This is an ONSITE role what will work from our offices in either Muscatine, IA, Lakeville, MN, or Grand Rapids, MI. HNI members work onsite four days a week (M-Th) and remotely on Fridays. Candidates seeking a remote arrangement will not be considered. Depending on your location, occasional travel to Muscatine, IA may be required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Pre-Litigation Claims Management & Resolution

• Serve as a legal advisor for pre-litigation claims involving allegations of property damage, bodily injury, product malfunction, or other losses associated with company products.
• Conduct early case assessments and evaluate legal liability, damages exposure, insurance implications, and potential defenses.
• Coordinate with Risk Management, Engineering, Product Safety, Quality, EHS, and Operations teams to investigate claims, preserve evidence, and develop factual records.
• Direct forensic investigations and collaborate with outside experts, consultants, and insurance carriers to evaluate the origin and cause of alleged losses.
• Review demand letters, incident reports, expert findings, and supporting documentation to determine appropriate response strategies.
• Oversee settlement strategies consistent with the company's risk tolerance and business objectives.
• Provide recommendations regarding reserve levels, settlement authority, and escalation of matters that present significant financial, operational, or reputational risk.
• Identify claims trends and recurring issues and partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to recommend corrective actions and risk mitigation measures.
• Determine when matters should transition from claims management into active litigation and oversee the handoff and subsequent litigation strategy.

Litigation

• Serve as in-house counsel for product liability matters, including pre-litigation claims management, investigations, and litigation involving allegations of property damage, personal injury, or other losses associated with company products.
• Direct outside counsel and technical experts to ensure effective and efficient case management.
• Partner with Engineering, Product Development, Quality, Operations, EHS, and Risk Management teams to investigate claims, conduct root cause analyses, preserve evidence, and develop defense strategies.
• Evaluate legal exposure and advise business leaders on litigation strategy and risk mitigation.
• Support interactions with insurance carriers and claims administrators regarding coverage, reserves, and claims handling.
• Monitor emerging trends and developments in litigation, product safety standards, and quality-related claims.
• Assist with managing other litigation matters as needed, including premises liability, contractual disputes, and other matters as assigned.

Product Safety & Quality

• Provide legal support on product safety and quality matters, including advising on recalls, field actions, corrective measures, and customer communications related to product performance issues.
• Lead or support internal investigations related to product safety incidents, quality failures, customer complaints, and potential regulatory issues, including coordination of fact gathering, document preservation, and witness interviews.
• Develop and execute litigation strategies for product liability, personal injury, property damage, warranty, and other commercial disputes that align with the company's business objectives and risk tolerance.
• Participate in mediation, arbitration, settlement discussions, and other dispute resolution activities.
• Analyze litigation trends and recommend improvements to reduce legal exposure and enhance product safety.

Risk Management & Claims Administration

• Partner closely with Risk Management and insurance carriers to manage claims and litigation costs.
• Review reserve recommendations and assist with budgeting and forecasting related to litigation matters.
• Monitor outside counsel performance and legal spend to ensure cost-effective representation.
• Support the development and implementation of litigation management processes and best practices.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and reporting for significant claims and litigation activity.

Regulatory Compliance & Cross-Functional Business Support

• Provide legal guidance related to product safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Lead or support internal investigations into product safety concerns, quality issues, field incidents, and potential regulatory violations, and recommend corrective and preventive actions when appropriate.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and EHS teams to address product safety and quality issues, support failure analysis, and advise on risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and legal trends affecting product liability and manufacturing operations.
• Deliver training and education to internal stakeholders on litigation-related matters and legal risk awareness.

Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school required.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction required.
• 8+ years of legal experience with significant exposure to product liability litigation, claims management, and investigations.
• Experience managing complex product liability, personal injury, or commercial litigation matters, with demonstrated ability to handle investigations.
• Experience directing outside counsel and coordinating with experts and insurance carriers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, consumer products, or distribution businesses, including product safety and quality functions, preferred.
• Experience handling fire-related litigation, fire investigations, or property damage claims.
• Experience defending manufacturers or product companies in complex tort matters.
• Strong understanding of litigation management and dispute resolution practices.
• Knowledge of product liability law, tort law, product safety regulations, and risk management principles.
• Experience managing outside counsel and controlling legal spend.
• Familiarity with insurance coverage issues and claims administration processes.

Relevant Skills

• Ability to evaluate complex legal issues and provide practical business advice.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional judgment and sound decision-making.
• Practical, business-oriented approach to legal counseling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions without direct authority.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to balance legal risk with commercial and operational considerations.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI) is a manufacturer of workplace furnishings and building products, operating under two segments. The workplace furnishings segment is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, going to market under multiple unique brands. The residential building products segment is the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.
We offer benefits starting from Day 1. To learn more, visit www.HNIbenefits.com.
Our company endeavors to make www.hnicareers.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 563-272-7400 or via email at [emailprotected] Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.