Corporate Counsel, U.S. Insurance

Ascot Group•New York, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an opportunity to join Ascot Group, a leading specialty risk underwriting organization. Ascot operates through a global ecosystem of interconnected platforms, united by a common mission. The company values a talented team that thrives in a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture, emphasizing underwriting excellence, integrity, and innovation. Ascot's underwriting platforms work together to creatively deploy capital through client-centric, risk-centric, and technology-centric strategies. The company is resilient, offering clients financial security and bespoke products with world-class service. Ascot is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to improve decision-making, efficiency, and outcomes, and expects employees to work confidently with AI tools, apply sound judgment, and adapt to evolving technology. Curiosity, critical thinking, and embracing change are highly valued. The Corporate Counsel, U.S. Insurance will be a key member of the U.S. Corporate Legal team, reporting to the Senior Corporate Counsel. The primary responsibilities include contract negotiation and involvement in commercial and strategic transactions. This role requires a trusted advisor who can partner effectively with underwriting, reinsurance, claims, finance, and other internal stakeholders, contributing significantly within a growing organization and supporting the development of Ascot U.S.

Requirements

Juris Doctor required.
Minimum of five years of legal experience in a law firm and/or relevant in-house legal role.
At least three years of experience in the insurance industry, either in-house at an insurance or reinsurance company or in private practice serving insurance and financial services clients.
Strong understanding of commercial insurance and reinsurance concepts, including distribution, risk-sharing, ceded reinsurance structures, and intercompany contracting; experience in property and casualty or specialty property and casualty insurance is strongly preferred.
Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating reinsurance agreements, program administration agreements, and/or insurance coverage matters.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and drive matters to completion.
Commercially minded and results-oriented, with the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and deliver practical solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong judgment and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across functions, advance complex matters collaboratively, and take ownership of outcomes.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in team-based environments.
Ability to learn quickly, adapt to new subject matter, and grow into broader responsibilities over time.
Strong interest in gaining exposure to a broad range of legal and business matters within a dynamic organization.
Admitted to practice law in a relevant state jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Experience in property and casualty or specialty property and casualty insurance is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a legal partner to Ascot U.S.’s insurance and reinsurance businesses, including ceded and captive reinsurance, programs, and claims operations, while supporting underwriting, finance, operations, and other internal stakeholders as needed.
Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including producer and distribution agreements, TOBAs, vendor contracts, NDAs, employment agreements, office leases, IT procurement agreements, statements of work, and other third-party arrangements.
Review and negotiate reinsurance agreements and related documentation, including captive reinsurance transactions, treaty and facultative placements, slip terms, loss portfolio transfers, and other supporting materials.
Support the programs business by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating program administrator agreements, fronting arrangements, profit commission schedules, and related distribution agreements.
Advise claims leadership on coverage issues, claims-related contractual matters, and dispute resolution, including coordination with outside counsel on litigation and arbitration matters as appropriate.
Partner with the U.S. General Counsel, Senior Corporate Counsel, and other senior leaders on complex strategic and commercial transactions.
Manage outside counsel relationships, engagements, and legal spend effectively.
Work closely with the Controller and CFO teams to support finance-related matters, including investments, auditor interactions, and capital markets activity such as debt issuance or capital raising, as needed.
Collaborate with other members of the Legal team on legal, regulatory, compliance, corporate governance, and other matters supported by the U.S. Corporate Legal function.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Demonstrate The Ascot Way in daily interactions by fostering collaboration, inclusivity, accountability, and colleague development.

Benefits

Medical (including prescription coverage)
Dental
Vision
Health Savings Account
Commuter Account
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
AD&D
Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
Paid holidays
Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state /local paid leave where required)
Short-term Disability
Long-term Disability
Other leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, Adoption, Maternity, Military, Primary & Non-Primary Caregiver)
Contributory Savings Plan (401k)