Senior Legal Counsel II-002197

Company: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

Summary

Under the general direction of Assigned Management, acts to protect the legal interests of Lifetime Healthcare, Inc. and its subsidiaries, affiliates, and any joint ventures (collectively, the "Corporations"). In the absence of more senior Corp Legal Department leadership, has the authority, where necessary, to manage daily operations of the Legal Department. Acts in a lead capacity for specific legal areas and is responsible for handling matters within those areas. May manage assigned staff. Assigns work to, and monitors the activities of, internal and external counsel.

Essential Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Represents the Corporations for the purpose of protecting the Corporations' assets, operations, and public image. Coordinates and implements strategy in furtherance of that purpose.

Acting under the general direction of Assigned Management, provides and coordinates a full range of legal services within assigned legal areas for operations and activities enterprise-wide. Advises management of legal considerations, implications, and alternatives for business decisions.

May represent the Corp Legal Department in meetings with Senior Management. Represents the Corp Legal Department at committee and task force levels within the Corporations, and in external meetings, negotiations, regulatory interactions, and proceedings of a legal nature within assigned legal areas and with or on behalf of assigned internal clients.

May attend regional board meetings, subsidiary board or committee meetings, and subsidiary annual meetings; may support the regional or subsidiary presidents.

May manage assigned staff. If managing staff, with full regard for the Corporate Affirmative Action Program, provides supervisory services to assigned staff. Supervisory services include, but are not limited to, selection, placement, training and development, performance appraisal, counseling, enforcement of rules and regulations, application of approved discipline, monitoring of punctuality and attendance, and provision of recommendations concerning changes in status.

In the absence of more senior Corp Legal Department leadership, has the authority, where necessary, to manage daily operations of the Corp Legal Department.

Has lead responsibility for specific legal areas and specific internal clients, as assigned by the SVP and General Counsel, and, in that capacity, is directly responsible for the management and completion of specific tasks and obligations with only broad oversight by Assigned Management. Is responsible for developing, coordinating with other members of the Corp Legal Department, and implementing strategy for managing and resolving legal issues within those legal areas and/or affecting those internal clients.

When appropriate, coordinates activities with outside counsel and monitors outside counsel activities on behalf of the Corporations. Provides and assists in the preparation of information and materials required by outside counsel.

Provides advice to management and staff regarding inquiries from accounts, providers, members, representatives, legislators, and governmental agencies that require legal interpretation. Reviews written responses to inquiries; may respond directly to inquiries, as the situation warrants.

Reviews relevant developments in the law, proposed legislation, and regulations and advises management and staff regarding the impact of such developments on business operations.

Keeps abreast of developments germane to the function by participation or attendance at seminars, workshops and professional society meetings, perusal of publications, satisfaction of CLE obligations, and, as necessary, independent study.

Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies' mission and values and adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct. Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.

Maintains knowledge of all relevant legislative and regulatory mandates and ensures that all activities are in compliance with these requirements.

Conducts periodic staff meetings to include timely distribution and education related to departmental and Ethics/Compliance information.

Regular reliable attendance is expected and required.

Performs other functions as assigned by management.


Minimum Qualifications
NOTE:
We include multiple levels of classification differentiated by demonstrated knowledge, skills, and the ability to manage increasingly independent and/or complex assignments, broader responsibility, additional decision making, and in some cases, becoming a resource to others. In addition to using this differentiated approach to place new hires, it also provides guideposts for employee development and promotional opportunities.


--- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the New York State Bar required.

--- A minimum of seven years as a practicing attorney in the health care and/or health insurance industry or relevant and equivalent legal experience; experience in contract negotiation and preparation.

--- Extensive knowledge of state and federal law and regulation governing the health care and/or health insurance industry.

--- Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and as a team lead or member, as required.

Physical Requirements

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The Lifetime Healthcare Companies aim to attract the best talent from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and experiential backgrounds, to diversify our workforce and best reflect the communities we serve.

Our mission is to foster an environment where diversity and inclusion are explicitly recognized as fundamental parts of our organizational culture. We believe that diversity of thought and background drives innovation which enables us to provide leading-edge healthcare insurance and services. With that mission in mind, we recruit the best candidates from all communities, to diversify and strengthen our workforce.

OUR COMPANY CULTURE:
Employees are united by our Lifetime Way Values & Behaviors that include compassion, pride, excellence, innovation and having fun! We aim to be an employer of choice by valuing workforce diversity, innovative thinking, employee development, and by offering competitive compensation and benefits.


In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this job description lists only those responsibilities and qualifications deemed essential to the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Qualifications Education Preferred Doctorate or better in Juris Doctor. Licenses & Certifications Preferred Attorney at Law Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Keywords: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Buffalo , Senior Legal Counsel II-002197, Legal , Buffalo, New York