Q: Is my insurer required to hire outside counsel to defend me against a lawsuit?
A: If you have liability insurance and the claim against you alleges you were negligent, then yes, they should provide and pay for a lawyer if you are sued.
A: If by "outside counsel," you mean someone other than staff counsel for that insurance company, the answer likely is "no." There are circumstances that could exist that would require them to provide other counsel, but your question does not have enough detail to tell.
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