Legal Counsel - Group Benefits

The Role at a Glance

We’re excited to bring on a Legal Counsel - Group Benefits to support our Group Protection Business!

In this role you will provide legal advice and support relating to the sale and administration of Lincoln Financial's insured and self-insured products and services. You will also support the company’s Group Protection business in some or all of the following areas: agreement/contract drafting, review and negotiation; ERISA; information security and privacy.

What You'll be Doing

• Advising business clients on key legal matters and complex issues related to the Group Protection business line to ensure compliance with company, legal, and regulatory requirements, taking into account company reputation and other risks that might impact the overall enterprise.

• Providing legal review, advice, drafting, and negotiation assistance for a range of business contracts, including customer master services agreements; administrative services agreements for Group Protection’s self-insured claim administration and absence management offerings; nondisclosure agreements; information security / data protection agreements; and contracts with other third parties, such as vendors and benefits technology providers, as needed; and coordinating and collaborating with other applicable company contract reviewers, stakeholders, and subject matter experts.
• Providing legal support across multiple areas of the Group Protection business impacted by the request for proposal process.
• Maintaining knowledge on current and emerging developments/trends, assessing the impact, and collaborating with senior management to incorporate new trends and developments in current and future solutions.
• Developing working knowledge of the laws and regulations impacting Group Protection’s business lines, including state insurance laws, applicable privacy laws, ERISA, HIPAA, and other laws relevant to Group Protection's products and services.
• Participating as a key contributor and advisor in cross-functional team environments; and interacting with business partners and stakeholders to understand current and prospective practices, considering appropriate legal, regulatory, reputation and risk standards, and recommending control enhancements
• Counseling business leaders and business clients as necessary on both the business and legal ramifications of business initiatives in areas of responsibility.
• Leading special projects and working with team to create and streamline processes and procedures as appropriate. Participating in Lincoln committees and special projects.

What we're looking for

Must Have:

• 5-7+ Years of legal experience with a law firm and/or corporate legal department or equivalent experience that directly aligns with the specific responsibilities for this position. (Required)

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and member of a state bar in good standing. (Required) Experience with life insurance, disability insurance, employee benefits, and/or group insurance. Experience drafting and negotiating contracts.

Nice to have:

• Direct experience in one or more of the following areas: providing direction to insurance or financial services industry clients; advising business clients on ERISA, group insurance/employee benefits, privacy, and/or employment matters

• Advising and working directly with internal business clients and external customers; and negotiating with opposing counsel.