Counsel

Counsel is responsible for providing in-house legal advice and guidance, with primary focus on third party contract management, employment, and escalations from administrative teams. 

*This opportunity is based out of West Des Moines and will sit on-site in a hybrid working schedule*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Scope of responsibility in each legal discipline may vary.  Incumbent will provide legal counsel to assigned business units.

Corporate/Contract Management

• Partners with procurement to support the corporate-wide procurement process.
• Supports legal department’s responsibilities with respect to corporate-wide procurement process, including the review and approval of contracts, including non-disclosure agreements, service agreements, commercial contracts, software licensing agreements and general vendor agreements.
• Provides legal support and analysis to business units.

Human Resources Advisory

• Advises Human Resources Department and other business leaders regarding compliance with labor, employment and benefits regulatory requirements.
• Analyzes and advises on new and existing Federal and state laws and regulations governing employment, including but not limited to, wage and hour, workplace safety and health, health benefits, workers compensation, other workplace standards, etc.
• Reviews company policies, monitors and supports legal compliance, and advises management on legal matters to ensure effective employee relations and guard the organization against legal liability.
• Reviews and provides recommendations to HR on compensation and benefit program design and administration.
• May provide representation for the Company before state and federal administrative agencies, including the EEOC, state and local human rights agencies, the Department of Labor, OFCCP, and other labor and employment related parties.

Escalations Support

• Evaluates, advises and responds to internal legal questions concerning the administration of annuity transactions.
• Assists in the development of internal policies and procedures and assists with the provision of internal training to reduce unnecessary legal and litigation risk.
• Supports the handling of death claim disputes, overpayments and other collection matters.
• Evaluates, advises and responds to complaints, disputes and inquiries.
• Evaluates, advises and responds to subpoenas and information requests by attorneys and regulators.
• Assists in development of strategies to address litigation matters, engages in other litigation related processes.

Other

• Ensures prudent management of expenses for area of responsibility by establishing and monitoring matter and/or project budget.
• Remains abreast of changing laws and regulations and effectively communicates changes in a timely manner along with potential impact to business operations.
• Provides work direction to paralegals as applicable.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports:  None

General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs):  None

Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible related legal experience.

Contract management and employment legal counsel experience required; annuity transaction and litigation experience strongly preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:

Ability to practice law within the U.S. and admitted to the Bar in at least one U.S. state, preferably in the State of Iowa.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Strong legal skills across a range of areas and familiarity with legal concepts, practices and procedures, including but not limited to contract management, employment and/or annuity transactions.
• Clear understanding and adherence to ethical principles, company values, code of conduct and policies.
• Ability to provide legal counsel and effectively deliver and prioritize legal services across various departments and functions.
• Solid understanding of business operations and corporate issues.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Mathematical skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.