Counsel, P&C Material Damage

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. The Counsel role serves as a strategic legal advisor and thought partner to the business, supporting complex, project‑specific initiatives within the auto physical damage and repair ecosystem. The position requires a unique and highly technical skillset and is primarily responsible for coordinating legal support on a wide range of challenging physical damage issues, practices, and programs that have a direct and meaningful impact on P&C Claims’ overall performance. Examples include total loss, labor rate determinations, rental car processes, aftermarket parts utilization, the On Your Side® National Auto Repair Network, the glass program, ADAS technologies, a high frequency of legislative and regulatory challenges, and vendor issues involving some of Claims’ most strategic and important partnerships. Operating in a general counsel‑like capacity, this role advises business leaders on initiatives and enhancements with national scope and broader enterprise impact, enabling informed decision‑making. We’ll count on you to deliver risk management recommendations 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. This role requires the business acumen and executive presence to build and maintain strong relationships with multiple Claims leaders. 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

Demonstrated experience advising in complex, regulated, or technically sophisticated environments
Proven ability to anticipate downstream legal and regulatory implications of product and process enhancements prior to deployment
Strong track record operating as a strategic advisor to business leaders, balancing legal risk with commercial and operational priorities
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience partnering cross‑functionally with Product, Marketing, Procurement, Government Relations, and/or Privacy teams preferred
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.

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.
Creates risk management and mitigation recommendations using sound risk assessment information to further achievement of business objectives.
Drafts necessary legal documents and develops conclusions and recommendations.
Creates practical and effective solutions to the most complex legal issues with no established precedent, develops creative solutions to unique legal problems, and has significant interaction with persons outside of the company.
Keeps senior leaders and appropriate management of the company informed of case law and new legislation, as appropriate.
Considers the long‑term business and strategic consequences of possible outcomes.
Delivers difficult messages or news and challenges business partners when necessary; responds to challenges to advice and counsel directly and effectively.
Brings a broad network of established relationships, both internal and external, to the organization, particularly in recognized areas of subject matter expertise.
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