Legal Counsel

Overview

A specialty niche reinsurer domiciled in California and licensed as an admitted insurer in 36 states (including the District of Columbia) is seeking a Counsel - Reinsurance. The reinsurer is also a qualified, accredited, or approved reinsurer in fifteen states, focusing on property casualty reinsurance including both prospective and legacy reinsurance. The organization has expertise in run-off management of U.S. legacy insurance liabilities and services affiliates and third parties with claims administration for asbestos, environmental, workers compensation, general liability, and construction defect liabilities. The company employs approximately 150 people nationwide, mostly remote, and holds an "AA-" rating by Standard & Poor's. As of December 31, 2025, it reported total admitted assets of USD $3.6 billion and policyholders' surplus of $265 million.

The Counsel - Reinsurance position reports to the General Counsel and supports multiple U.S. legal entities including holding companies, special purpose investment vehicles, and a reinsurance intermediary. This role provides legal support for prospective reinsurance business and other transactional matters.

Responsibilities

• Review, prepare, and negotiate legal and transactional documents related to prospective reinsurance transactions.
• Manage internal governance approval processes and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Support regulatory filings for transaction approvals under the Insurance Holding Company Act and the California Insurance Code.
• Provide timely legal assessments and solution-oriented advice to the underwriting team, business units, and management.
• Advise on U.S. and international reinsurance transactions and related regulatory and legal issues.
• Research and analyze new federal and state legislation, laws, and regulations affecting the reinsurer, affiliates, and the reinsurance industry.
• Interpret and apply terms of agreements, corporate rules, policies, and organizational documents.
• Utilize artificial intelligence tools and resources (e.g., generative AI) to enhance legal work.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active California State Bar license in good standing (required).
• 3-5 years of legal experience at a major law firm, specializing in reinsurance and/or financial transactions; experience in corporate governance and insurance regulation preferred.
• Excellent academic credentials and references.
• Strong business or transactional experience with excellent drafting skills.
• Strong analytical, oral, written communication, and negotiation skills.
• High level of personal integrity, accountability, and a solid work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a virtual/remote environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new areas of law.
• Ability to make sound decisions, prioritize, and manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Creative and strategic thinking to evaluate legal risks and support business objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across business and geographic areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), online legal research tools, and enthusiasm for new technologies.
• Ability to develop expertise in new subject areas and provide support on general corporate matters.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000.00 - $210,000.00 (base salary only).
• Eligibility for an annual incentive program.
• Final base salary will be determined based on geographic location, experience, skills, competencies, education, and internal equity.
• The salary range provided is the full base salary range; hiring near the maximum is not typical to allow for future salary growth.

Location

• Nationwide remote work arrangement with employees located across the U.S.