Legal Counsel

company•City of Utica, NY

1d•$123,304 - $221,948•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of assigned management, the Legal Counsel functions as a strong legal generalist on a collaborative, business aligned team. The Legal Counsel exercises sound judgment and excellent communication skills and balances risk while operating with a solutions-oriented approach. The focus of this role is to engage as a trusted business partner providing practical, timely, and context-driven legal advice to enable informed decision-making and advance enterprise objectives.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
Five or more years’ experience as a practicing attorney.
Prior legal experience in the health care and/or health insurance industry preferred; knowledge of state and federal law and regulation governing the health care and/or health insurance industry.
Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
Strong research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication skills. Proficient and capable of handling moderately complex legal issues without oversight.
Diligent, trustworthy, and accountable. Routinely demonstrates a high degree of emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior legal experience in the health care and/or health insurance industry
Knowledge of state and federal law and regulation governing the health care and/or health insurance industry.

Responsibilities

Supports Business-Aligned Decision-Making & Serve as a Trusted Business Partner
Builds strong, collaborative relationships with internal clients, legal department colleagues, and cross functional partners, grounded in trust, transparency, and shared accountability.
Communicate legal advice clearly, concisely, and professionally, tailoring messages for non-legal audiences to support timely, informed decision making.
Anticipates business and regulatory issues by understanding the operational environment, strategic priorities and engaging early to help shape outcomes.
Engages in difficult or sensitive conversations directly, respectfully, and constructively, assuming positive intent and seeking to understand differing perspectives.
Provides Comprehensive Legal Support
Provides a full range of legal services for assigned practice areas and business partners, translating legal risk into clear, actionable guidance aligned to business objectives, timelines, and the Company’s risk tolerance.
Conducts thorough legal analysis and factual investigation, exercising sound judgment and applying relevant laws, regulations, and precedents to real world business issues.
Evaluates legal and regulatory risk in context and recommend options and mitigation strategies that support business objectives, enterprise strategies and timelines.
Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a broad range of agreements and advises on related legal issues.
Supports regulatory matters, audits, and interactions with state and federal agencies, as needed.
Represents the company in negotiations, meetings, and proceedings within assigned areas of responsibility.
Maintains current knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and enforcement trends affecting health insurance operations and proactively advise on business impacts.
Coordinates and manages outside counsel strategically, ensuring their use is appropriate, cost effective, and aligned with business needs and legal risk.
Contributes to the development and evolution of policies, procedures, templates, and other similar initiatives.
General
Shares knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices to improve efficiency, clarity, and consistency across both the legal team and other departments/stakeholders.
Commits to personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action.
Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies’ mission and values, adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and leading to the Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.
Performs other functions as assigned by management.