Chief Legal Officer

State of Washington•Tumwater, WA

55d•$115,000 - $130,000

About The Position

As a key member of the Legal Affairs Division's leadership team, the Chief Legal Officer for Regulatory Investigations plays a critical role in protecting Washington's insurance consumers and strengthening public confidence in the industry. This leader oversees a statewide program responsible for investigating complex complaints and suspected violations of the Washington Insurance Code-ensuring that our regulatory work is effective, transparent, and fair. We're seeking a transformational leader who can motivate and empower a team of experienced investigators, streamline processes for efficiency, and champion continuous improvement. You will be the driving force behind strategic initiatives that enhance investigative outcomes, promote collaboration across the agency, and ensure that our enforcement work meets the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In this pivotal role, you will: Lead with vision and purpose: Establish clear goals, measurable outcomes, and accountability standards that inspire excellence and align with the agency's mission. Motivate and develop talent: Cultivate an engaged, high-performing investigative team through mentorship, coaching, and professional growth opportunities. Advance process improvement: Evaluate and modernize investigative procedures to strengthen quality, timeliness, and consistency across cases statewide. Collaborate and influence: Work closely with Legal Affairs leadership to implement strategic plans, align investigative priorities, and advance consumer protection through effective enforcement. Model integrity and professionalism: Set the tone for fairness, transparency, and respect-leading by example and encouraging open communication and innovation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact, shape regulatory policy, and lead a dedicated team committed to protecting Washingtonians through fair and effective insurance oversight. Join us in leading with integrity-and making a difference that matters.

Requirements

Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Proof of degree may be required prior to employment.
Active license to practice law upon start date, preferably from Washington State, with five (5) years demonstrated experience.
One (1) year paid litigation experience.
A minimum of five (5) years of supervisor experience of legal or investigator professionals, which may include experience leading projects, cases, or investigations.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible interpretation and implementation of complex regulatory statutes and regulations.
Experience in comprehending, interpreting, and applying federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations and policy and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Financial examination, investigation, or audit experience in a regulatory environment.
Investigative experience involving the insurance industry or other regulatory compliance.
Familiarity with Title 48 and WAC 284.
Experience with the insurance industry and insurance practices.
Qualifying investigative experience was performed within the past three years.
Experience in reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex agreements and contracts; especially insurance contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities

Manage, Direct, and Oversee the Legal Affairs Division's Statewide Investigations for licensee misconduct, unlicensed activity, and unauthorized entities
Developing and revising policies and procedures for investigations of health care sharing ministries, fraudulent ERISA plans, service contract providers, discount plan organizations, captive insurance companies, protection product guarantee providers, producers, title insurance agents, adjusters, surplus line brokers, insurance agency cases, pharmacy benefit managers, and unauthorized insurance companies.
Ensuring that the unit meets or exceeds established expectations measuring performance and quality.
Enhancing strategies for investigating.
Working collaboratively with other Legal Affairs managers.
Planning and implementing cross-training/coverage plans, fostering knowledge-based growth within the unit, and providing coaching and mentoring as appropriate.
Conducting/completing special assignments as directed by the Division's Deputy Commissioner.
Ensure Efficient and Effective Use of Staff and Agency Resources.
Investigative Unit Personnel Management.
Develop clear written guidance related to investigative expectations, processes, and procedures.
The Chief Legal Officer for Regulatory Investigations is ultimately responsible for the oversight of all workflow processes for investigations and for the day-to-day operations of the investigators handling cases.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
Wellness programs: Invest in your well-being with on-site resources and initiatives.
Work-life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.

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