Associate Counsel

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Job Summary: The Associate Counsel provides legal support and advisory services to the legal department at Rivers Casino Portsmouth. This role is responsible for overseeing specific legal operational areas, with a primary focus on risk management, claims administration, workers compensation, general liability, and employment law. The Associate Counsel will work under the supervision of the VP and General Counsel to support property operations and manage litigation portfolios.

Salary: starting at $140,000

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/Responsibilities:
Claims Administration and Insurance Management
-Review and coordinate the claims handling of Guest and Team Member incidents, including intake, investigation, documentation, and final resolution of claims.
-Act as the primary liaison between Rivers Casino Portsmouth and third-party administrators (TPAs), insurance carriers, insurance brokers, and outside counsel.
-Manage and oversee the property’s insurance program, including the end-to-end claim process and billing matters.
-Maintain accurate, up-to-date claim files on all General Liability, Workers Compensation, Property, and Casualty claims. Conduct regular audits of outstanding workers compensation claims to ensure proper administration.
-Assess expenses to settle claims within authorized limits; provide recommendations on settlement strategies. Review and ensure the accuracy of invoices from TPAs and insurance carriers.
-Manage third-party vendors related to claims, including surveillance companies, nurse case managers, billing auditors, and repair companies.
-Ensure all claim processes comply with insurance practices and relevant Virginia state
laws. Maintain all required OSHA record-keeping relating to Workers Compensation injuries/illnesses.
-Identify and escalate complex or high-risk claims to the VP and General Counsel.

Employment & Labor: Advise the HR department on complex employment law matters, including ADA compliance, protected leaves, and internal investigations. Represent the Casino in all stages of employment litigation.
-Manage the company's litigation portfolio for general liability and workers' compensation matters, including drafting position statements, reviewing filings, and preparing witnesses for hearings before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
-Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, leases, and vendor agreements.
-Participate in insurance renewals, audits, and policy reviews. Assist in the selection and management of outside counsel.
-Communicate timely and professionally with Guests and Team Members related to claims, while managing complimentary privileges within prescribed limits in accordance
with the approved Comp Matrix.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
-Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
-Active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar (or eligible for immediate reciprocity/admission).
-6–9+ years of relevant experience in labor/employment law, litigation, insurance defense, or claims management.
-Proven experience with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act, insurance administration, and risk mitigation strategies is required.

Certifications, Licenses, and/or Registrations:
-Ability to obtain and maintain license as required by jurisdiction(s).
-List any additional certifications/licenses required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Strong analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions regarding investigations, legal strategy, and claim resolution.
-Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
-Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with internal teams (HR, Operations) and external partners (brokers, carriers, counsel).
-Must be able to maintain professional discretion and manage highly sensitive and confidential information.

Physical Requirements:
-Regularly required to walk, stand and sit.
-Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

-Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
-Ability to work flexible shifts and days of the week, including holidays.
-Must be able to be exposed to casino-related environmental factors, including but not limited to secondhand smoke and excessive noise.