Sr Associate Counsel

Overview

Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000

This legal operations role supports the internal functions of a leading voluntary insurance provider. The position may be hybrid or remote depending on location within the continental US. Hybrid employees within 50 miles of offices in Columbus, GA or Columbia, SC will work in-office at least 60% of the week. Remote employees outside this radius will primarily work from home with occasional office visits as needed.

Responsibilities

• Review laws and insurance contracts to clarify complex legal language and advise business teams on compliance parameters
• Develop creative, business-oriented legal solutions to support operational needs
• Collaborate across departments including product, underwriting, eligibility, claims, appeals, complaints, and litigation to promote consistency and address past issues
• Participate actively in project teams, providing legal guidance and partnering with business units
• Investigate legal issues and review various documents to support business objectives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Minimum 7 years of legal experience in both law firm and corporate environments, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong legal research and negotiation skills
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively
• Business-oriented legal judgment and advice
• Ability to foster teamwork and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with supplemental, group, voluntary, or individual insurance products (life, disability, dental/vision, specified disease)
• Working knowledge of ERISA
• Experience on an in-house operations legal team
• Litigation experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $130,000 - $165,000, with offers based on education, experience, licensure, certifications, location, and peer compensation
• Potential for future salary growth; initial offers typically not at top of range
• Additional incentive pay and benefits provided separately
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
• Supplemental insurance policies at no cost to employee (Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity)
• 401(k) plans and opportunity to purchase company stock
• Annual bonuses
• Paid time off: 11 holidays, up to 20 PTO days, and applicable state-mandated sick leave and other leaves

Location

• Hybrid or remote within the continental United States
• Hybrid requires proximity (within 50 miles) to offices in Columbus, GA or Columbia, SC
• Remote employees primarily work from home with occasional office visits as needed