Senior Counsel, Surety

Overview

A strategic insurance provider is seeking a Senior Counsel - Surety to join their Legal Department. This role supports the surety team by providing legal guidance and underwriting support for the contract and commercial surety business. The position reports to the Vice President and Chief Counsel - Surety and contributes strategically to the growth of the global surety business.

The preferred work location includes offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, or San Francisco, though remote candidates will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and risk assessment support to surety underwriters and senior management on complex project delivery methods, contracts, bond forms, indemnity agreements, and related underwriting documents.
• Assist in negotiations with brokers, bond customers, obligees, and other parties involved in surety transactions.
• Manage Co-Surety relationships, including responsibility for Co-Surety Agreements and related documentation.
• Research laws and regulations affecting surety underwriting.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting surety, construction, and commercial surety businesses.
• Participate in developing and delivering training, resource materials, and underwriting guidance for surety professionals.
• Support the development of business documents for global surety growth, including new international surety markets.
• Provide input and participate in new product development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree required; undergraduate degree in business, engineering, or finance is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in surety claims, surety and construction law, or surety underwriting support.
• Experience with national accounts and international surety is advantageous.
• Licensed attorney admitted to practice in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and navigate uncertainty.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with confidence to collaborate with senior executives internally and externally.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Problem-solving skills to achieve strategic business outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $180,000 to $240,000, with annual bonus eligibility.
• Total compensation is based on relevant skills, experience, and location.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance for employees and their families.
• Flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement account.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Generous holiday and paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave.

Location

Preferred locations include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, or San Francisco. Remote candidates will also be considered.