Corporate Counsel

California Dental Association
Posted Sep 10
Full Time
On Site
Sacramento, California

Job Purpose
The Corporate Counsel will assist in protecting the organization's legal interest and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law. Assists the Chief Legal Officer in identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance for all CDA companies, with a primary focus on The Dentists Insurance Company (TDIC) and TDIC Insurance Solutions.

Essential Competencies:  
•    Critical thinking skills (problem solving)
•    Communication skills (approachability)
•    Relationship skills (collaboration)
•    Adaptation skills (flexibility) 

Essential Functions – must be able to perform with or without a reasonable accommodation

•    Advises The Dentists Insurance Company, TDIC Insurance Solutions, the California Dental Association, and CDA Foundation on all legal, legislative, governance and regulatory matters, with a primary focus on insurance and brokerage matters. 
•    Assists with regulatory filings with the various state governmental agencies that oversee the insurance industry in California and the other states in which TDIC and TDIC Insurance Solutions are licensed to sell insurance.  
•    Assists with development of policy forms, underwriting guidelines and procedures in compliance with department of insurance requirements.  Participates in development and preparation of form and rate filings. Works with outside legal counsel to create policy forms. Serves as TDIC’s liaison with state insurance regulators.
•    Provides legal support in the development of new products and services for TDIC and TDIC Insurance Solutions.
•    Coordinates work with Department of Insurance for all market conduct exams and consumer complaints. 
•    Reviews treaty language in conjunction with TDIC reinsurance renewal.
•    Responsible for interpreting laws, rulings and regulations, including current and past legislation, analyzing legal implications, and providing optional strategies for responsive actions.
•    Serves as liaison with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) in monitoring and advising on regulatory and legislative matters. 
•    Assists staff in negotiation and drafting of legislation and regulations. Works with outside regulatory agencies to review legal impact of past and newly introduced legislation. 
•    Reviews member and policyholder communications to ensure legal compliance.
•    Assists the Chief Legal Officer in management of pending litigation involving either TDIC or TDIC Insurance Solutions.  Monitors and acts as a resource for outside counsel to manage various matters.  Responsible for small litigation cases in-house. 
•    Attends TDIC/TDIC Insurance Solutions Board of Directors meetings.
•    Assists the Chief Legal Officer in providing legal counsel on human resources and personnel matters.

Non-Essential Functions
•    Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Education, Licenses & Experience

•    Juris Doctorate required, with a minimum of five years of experience with insurance law. 
•    Active State Bar of California license required.
•    Knowledge and understanding of insurance codes and regulations in California and other states.
•    Knowledge and understanding of the insurance industry, particularly related to professional liability, property and workers’ compensation insurance.  
•    Ability to analyze regulatory letters, insureds’ complaints, insurance policies, legislation, pleadings, and contracts.
•    Strong analytical, organizational and planning skills. 
•    Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
•    Must be solution-oriented when addressing legal issues.
•    Must demonstrate diplomacy and tact while interacting with all levels within and outside of the organization. 
•    Must be able to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
•    Must be able to perform job duties independently, exercising good judgment and professionalism.  
•    Computer skills, including ability to use Windows/Microsoft Office.
•    Critical thinking skills: ability to apply analysis, creativity and logic to reach outcomes.
•    Communication skills: approachable and able to build trust and authentic professional relationships.
•    Relationship skills: participate as an active and supportive member of a team to achieve shared goals.
•    Adaptation skills: ability to adapt behavior to changing conditions and business requirements. 

Preferred Education, Licenses & Experience

•    Experience working in a corporate legal department preferred. 
•    Experience with negotiation and drafting of legislation and regulations preferred.
•    Experience with insurance brokerage or agency matters.
•    Familiarity with and understanding of antitrust law.
•    Experience with employment law preferred.

Working Conditions 
•    Constantly standing, bending, sitting, kneeling
•    Must have the ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Remote (Hybrid Role)