Senior Counsel - AI & Technology

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide's Legal team is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking AI & Technology Counsel to support the company’s responsible use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies across its insurance and financial services businesses. This role serves as a key legal advisor to technology, data, and business teams, enabling innovation while managing legal, regulatory, and operational risk. The position is significantly AI-focused, with responsibility for regulatory monitoring and emerging-technology counseling and also provides targeted support on select technology matters such as website accessibility, disaster recovery, digital terms and conditions, contractor technology access, consultation on AI and technology-related litigation, and sanctions-related issues.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Fully licensed in good standing and in compliance with all continuing legal education requirements at all times in the state(s) in which they practice.
Typically has 15 or more years of relevant legal experience.
May have management experience.
Has significant experience with or knowledge of one or more areas of law, complex legal practices and procedures, project management concept and techniques.
Considered a subject matter authority within his or her areas of legal expertise.
Sound business acuity and knowledge of the business goals and objectives as they relate to the matter at hand.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for contacts interacting with all levels within OCLO and with business partners.
Analytical ability to interpret statutes, regulations, insurance policies and other contracts.
Decision-making ability to set work priorities and make recommendations.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects.
Ability to lead, initiate, organize and coordinate highly complex projects and/or cases.
Takes the lead role in negotiations that are complex, strategic, or sensitive in nature.
Supervisory skills useful.
Significant professional and/or civic involvement.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI and advanced technologies.
Knowledge of AI governance frameworks.
Familiarity with BIFSG methodology and NAIC AI Systems Evaluation Tool.
Experience in insurance and financial services.

Responsibilities

Advise business and technology teams on legal issues arising from the development, procurement, deployment, and use of AI and other emerging technologies.
Partner cross functionally to integrate legal and regulatory considerations into AI design, deployment, and lifecycle management.
Assess and help mitigate legal and regulatory risks associated with AI enabled decision making, including issues related to fairness, bias, transparency, and accountability.
Support AI governance.
Support compliance with emerging AI laws, including coordination of independent bias audits where required.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments related to AI and advanced technologies (e.g., AI chatbot laws), translating them into practical guidance.
Support the operation and evolution of Nationwide’s AI governance framework, including policies, review processes, internal coordination, and third-party auditing.
Assist in bias analysis utilizing BIFSG methodology and review of internal model builds and provide support related to the NAIC AI Systems Evaluation Tool.
Lead the legal department’s internal AI working group and contribute to training and guidance for business and technology stakeholders.
Provide legal guidance on technology related issues including disaster recovery and operational resilience.
Advise on website and digital platform accessibility and oversee legal review of website terms and conditions.
Provide legal advice across OCLO teams on matters related to technology implementation to ensure practical legal solutions are applied across innovative technologies.
Counsel on legal considerations related to contractor and third party access to Nationwide systems and technology.
Provide support on sanctions related matters that intersect with technology, vendors, or digital operations.
Work closely with internal subject matter experts to ensure aligned, efficient legal advice.
Serve as a central legal point of contact for AI related initiatives and emerging technology questions.
Engage with outside counsel as needed for specialized matters.
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.
Identifies and logically assesses potential legal risks.
Creates risk management/mitigation recommendations using sound risk assessment information to further achievement of business objectives.
Drafts necessary legal documents and develops conclusions and recommendations.
Regularly interacts with senior leaders in Office of the Chief Legal Officer (OCLO) or the company on legal matters within area(s) of legal expertise.
Has input into or influence on company decision-making.
Creates practical and effective solutions to the most complex legal issues with no established precedent; develops creative solutions to unique legal problems; has significant interaction with persons outside of the company.
Takes the lead role in matters that are highly complex, strategic, or sensitive in nature.
Understands the business partner's position and needs.
Keeps senior leaders and appropriate management of 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.
Works independently and may lead teams to resolve highly complex legal and organizational issues.
Makes recommendations about and ensures compliance with approved outside counsel budget.
Hires and develops talent, provides consistent coaching and feedback.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.