Counsel, Auto PD Claims Strategy & Partnerships

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Counsel role sits at the intersection of legal, strategy, and innovation, supporting a portfolio of initiatives across auto physical damage, including powersports and RV. You will partner closely with claim business leaders to shape and enable strategic priorities ranging from claim processes, programs and partnerships which often include emerging technologies, and AI-enabled solutions. The role 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 is not a traditional claims-focused role. It operates in a broader APD claims strategy capacity and is ideal for a forward-thinking legal professional who is energized by ambiguity, cross-functional collaboration, and helping to build what’s next.

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.
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.
The role involves frequent conversations with business partners and requires ease with issue‑spotting, and practical guidance.
Experience in a legal role supporting strategic, enhancement or innovation focused initiatives.
Valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Responsibilities

Provides the highest level of subject matter expertise for legal specialties on significant, high‑risk, or highly complex legal matters.
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.
Keeps leaders and appropriate management informed of case law and new legislation, as appropriate.
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.
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.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire