About the position
The Litigation Associate General Counsel reports to the Senior Associate General Counsel & Director Legal Services. This position is responsible for providing analysis and counsel on a wide variety of legal issues affecting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and its subsidiaries (BCBSKS). Primary responsibilities include overseeing and monitoring litigation in state and federal courts involving all aspects of BCBSKS’ business and operations. Secondary responsibilities include regulatory analysis and counsel, focused on federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to BCBSKS business and operations. Additional responsibilities include responding to internal legal inquiries regarding human resources, tax, sales, provider services, and vendor relations. This position is eligible to work onsite or hybrid (9 or more days a month on site) in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.
Responsibilities
- Provides legal advice to BCBSKS and subsidiaries’ leadership and employees as needed, particularly related to litigation, and other legal matters.
- Serves as a primary Legal Department contact to BCBSKS business areas involved in matters that may lead to litigation or are already involved in litigated matters.
- Serve as a primary Legal Department contact to outside legal counsel on litigation matters.
- Serves as lead attorney on collecting and reviewing evidentiary material for outside counsel.
- Assist outside counsel with communication and contact with BCBSKS staff when necessary.
- Serve as a legal advisor for regulatory matters, including government investigations, audits, and examinations.
- Identify and assess legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential legal issues.
- Provide legal education to BCBSKS employees through presentations, written materials and individual consultation.
- Represent the company in communications and correspondence with regulatory agencies, industry bodies, and other key external stakeholders.
- Stay up to date with changes in the legal environment and advise on their potential impact on the business.
- Provide guidance and support to other legal and compliance team members on complex regulatory issues.
- Advise senior executives on litigation matters.
- May supervise and manage non-attorney legal staff, delegating tasks, overseeing the execution of key responsibilities, and completing performance management activities.
- Mentor and guide non-attorney legal staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring quality work.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school.
- Current license to practice law in Kansas (may be obtained as allowed by law after assuming the position).
- Minimum 5 years of experience practicing law within a law firm, as in-house counsel within private or government entity and/or judicial clerkship.
- A focus on legal issues in Health Care, Insurance or Finance preferred.
Nice-to-haves
- Significant human relations skills: proficiency in self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills necessary to carry out duties in a professional manner.
- Significant problem-solving skills in determining how to accomplish corporate goals and objectives consistent with legal requirements.
- Ability to understand the health insurance industry and legal environment.
- Ability to interpret new laws, regulations, and developing case law for their applicability and impact on the company and its subsidiaries.
- Ability to develop and recommend legal strategies consistent with the industry and developing areas of law that affect it.
- Ability to provide clear, actionable legal advice to both legal and non-legal teams.
- High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to upholding ethical standards.
- Experience managing or working closely with regulatory agencies and handling investigations.
Benefits
- Incentive pay program (EPIP)
- Health/Vision/Dental insurance
- 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
- Fertility/Adoption assistance
- 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
- 5% 401(k) plan matching
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources
