Counsel, Auto PD Claims Strategy & Partnerships

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

2d•$138,000 - $243,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The individual contributor role in the P&C Claims Legal, Property Center of Excellence, serves as a strategic legal advisor and thought partner to the auto, powersports and RV business, supporting complex, project‑specific initiatives within the physical damage and repair ecosystem that sit adjacent to auto, powersports and RV claim operations. This role is heavily involved in enabling strategy, innovation and AI related solutions. This ideal for a forward-thinking legal professional who is energized by ambiguity, cross-functional collaboration, and helping to build what’s next. Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support business objectives of a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company? If you have legal talent and great interpersonal and communication skills, we want to know more about you! We provide legal expertise that reflects our commitment to innovative thinking, effective collaboration and a proactive approach to our work. As Counsel, you'll provide expert advice and build strong relationships with fellow team members and business leaders across many levels. We'll count on you to recommend risk management strategies by actively identifying and assessing risks in unique and complex situations that have potential for significant impact to the company.

Requirements

JD from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Associates reporting within Nationwide’s Office of the Chief Legal Officer (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.
Typically, six or more years of relevant legal experience.
Has demonstrated business knowledge.
Has proven experience with or knowledge of an area of law, complex legal practices and procedures.
Considered a specialist on a specific product, service or legal specialty (employment, finance, regulatory, real estate, securities, tax, etc.).
Possesses sound business knowledge with respect to area of legal support.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with associates and business partners.
Skilled at interpreting statutes, regulations, insurance policies and other contracts.
Decision-making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
Ability to initiate, prioritize and coordinate complex projects and/or cases that cross functional or business lines.
Takes the lead role in complex and/or strategic negotiations.
Supervisory skills helpful, as this role may have the opportunity to supervise a small group of legal resources within an area of law.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising on auto PD claims programs, partnerships and processes at an enterprise or multi‑jurisdictional level.
Relevant experience may include advising on broader total loss practices, labor rate determinations, rental/loss of use processes, parts utilization strategies, managed repair or vendor networks.
Comfort operating in a highly collaborative, business‑embedded environment.
Experience in a legal role supporting strategic, enhancement or innovation focused initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provides subject matter expertise for significant, high‑risk, or highly complex legal matters related to physical damage repair claims and processes.
Regularly attends business partner meetings to better understand business processes and needs.
Collaborate cross-functionally to translate complex legal considerations into practical, claim business-forward solutions.
Delivers difficult messages or news and challenges business leaders when necessary; responds to challenges to advice and counsel directly and effectively.
Considers the long-term business and strategic consequences of possible outcomes by actively identifying, assessing, and advising on potential legal risks in ambiguous, novel, and highly complex business scenarios, particularly those with the greatest potential impact to the company.
Keeps leaders and appropriate management informed of case law and new legislation, as appropriate.
Comfort with frequent, routine collaboration and conversations with business partners, with an emphasis on practical, relationship‑driven legal support.
Provides advice and expertise on a broad range of legal matters with minimal direction within a specific area of responsibility.
Identifies and assesses risks in unique or complex business situations.
Creates risk management/mitigation recommendations demonstrating sound risk assessment and legal skills.
Addresses situations of high exposure or risk; understands business risk tolerance and considers it in the context of risk management strategies and actions.
Has input into or influence on company decision-making.
Builds creative, practical and effective solutions to issues with no established precedent.
May interact with persons outside of the company on behalf of the organization.
Leads matters that are complex and/or strategic in nature.
Understands the business partner's goals, objectives and needs.
Advises senior leaders on case law, legislative and regulatory matters.
Considers the long-term business and strategic consequences of potential outcomes.
Demonstrates strength with clients by clearly communicating legal requirements and cautionary counsel.
Effectively responds to challenges and collaborates to achieve risk-mitigated outcomes.
Builds and maintains a wide network of positive relationships at many levels within the OCLO and with business partners, including at leadership levels.
Works independently and may also lead teams on group/client tasks, projects or assignments.
May mentor less experienced attorneys or paralegals on business and legal issues.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.