Senior Legal Counsel - Aetna, West Regional Counsel

Overview

This role serves as the West Regional Counsel providing primary legal support for a fully insured commercial health plan business across California, Arizona, and Hawaii. The position operates within a complex and heavily regulated healthcare environment, focusing on managing regulatory risk, enabling business operations, and ensuring compliance.

Responsibilities

• Advise on business initiatives, product design, regulatory filings, claims, utilization management, pharmacy, and provider network matters.
• Lead responses to regulatory inquiries, investigations, and market conduct examinations.
• Provide proactive guidance on evolving state laws and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as counsel to a joint venture in Arizona, advising on governance, regulatory strategy, and business initiatives.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Active bar membership.
• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, either at a law firm or in-house with a health plan or other highly regulated healthcare organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience advising health plans or highly regulated healthcare organizations.
• Experience managing regulatory inquiries, investigations, and enforcement matters, including those involving CDI, DMHC, and Knox-Keene Act requirements.
• Strong knowledge of insurance regulation, managed care law, or healthcare compliance.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders and operate effectively in high-risk, fast-paced environments.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Compliance, Government Affairs, and business teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, initiative, intellectual curiosity, and drive.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.

Education

• Juris Doctorate
• Bachelor's Degree

Compensation & Benefits

• Typical pay range: $175,100.00 - $334,750.00 annually.
• Actual salary offer depends on experience, education, geography, and other relevant factors.
• Eligibility for bonus, commission, or short-term incentive programs.
• Participation in an equity award program with an award target.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources based on eligibility.

Additional Information

• The application window for this position closes on 06/24/2026.
• Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Location

• California, Arizona, and Hawaii (West Region)