Counsel

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

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. 10+ years of Claims Legal support with knowledge of claims business practices and operations is preferred. Project management experience is also desired. Responsible for legal advice related to Claims business practices, vendors, technology, training, AI, and data. Leads cross-functional project across Casualty, Property, and Indemnity Claims Legal. Maintains key PL and CLESS claims client relationships in the operations space. Job Description Summary 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. Job Description Key Responsibilities: Provides advice and expertise on a broad range of legal matters with minimal direction within a specific area of responsibility. Attends business partner meetings to better understand business processes and needs. 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.

Requirements

Education: JD from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
License/Certification/Designation: 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.
Experience: Typically, six or more years of relevant legal experience. Has demonstrated business knowledge.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of Claims Legal support with knowledge of claims business practices and operations is preferred.
Project management experience is also desired.

Responsibilities

Provides advice and expertise on a broad range of legal matters with minimal direction within a specific area of responsibility.
Attends business partner meetings to better understand business processes and needs.
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