Senior Counsel

Overview

Job Conditions

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you. At Nationwide, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support the goals and objectives of a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company? If you possess the legal education, skills and expertise needed to provide outstanding service, advice, and counsel, we want to hear from you!

• As Senior Counsel, independently provide expert advice and counsel on highly complex legal matters to senior-level leaders.
• Identify and logically assess potential legal risks. Create risk management/mitigation recommendations using sound risk assessment information to further achievement of business objectives. Draft necessary legal documents and develop conclusions and recommendations.
• Regularly interact with senior leaders in the Office of the Chief Legal Officer (OCLO) or the company on legal matters within area(s) of legal expertise. Have input into or influence on company decision-making.
• Create practical and effective solutions to the most complex legal issues with no established precedent; develop creative solutions to unique legal problems; have significant interaction with persons outside of the company.
• Take the lead role in matters that are highly complex, strategic, or sensitive in nature. Understand the business partner s position and needs.
• Keep senior leaders and appropriate management informed of case law and new legislation, as appropriate. Consider the long-term business and strategic consequences of possible outcomes. Deliver difficult messages or news, and challenge business partners when necessary; respond to challenges to advice and counsel directly and effectively.
• Bring a broad network of established relationships, both internal and external, to the organization, particularly in recognized areas of subject matter expertise.
• Work independently and may lead teams to resolve highly complex legal and organizational issues.
• Make recommendations about and ensure compliance with approved outside counsel budget.
• Hire and develop talent, provide consistent coaching and feedback.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reports to Vice President/Associate Vice President/Managing Counsel; may lead a team of Legal professionals.

Education: Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.

License/Certification/Designation: Associates reporting within Nationwide’s OCLO who are functioning in attorney roles must be fully licensed in accordance with OCLO policy, in good standing and in compliance with all continuing legal education requirements at all times in the state(s) in which they practice.

Experience: Typically has 15 or more years of relevant legal experience. May have management experience. Has significant experience with or knowledge of one or more areas of law, complex legal practices and procedures, project management concept and techniques. Considered a subject matter authority within his or her areas of legal expertise. Sound business acuity and knowledge of the business goals and objectives as they relate to the matter at hand.

Knowledge, Abilities and

Skills:

Strong verbal and written communication skills for contacts interacting with all levels within OCLO and with business partners. Analytical ability to interpret statutes, regulations, insurance policies and other contracts. Decision-making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations. Ability to lead cross-functional projects. Ability to lead, initiate, organize and coordinate highly complex projects and/or cases. Takes the lead role in negotiations that are complex, strategic, or sensitive in nature.

Supervisory skills useful. Significant…