Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE: 
The Litigation General Counsel is responsible for (1) evaluating and analyzing litigation brought by and against CareFirst, Inc., its subsidiaries, and affiliates (the Company); (2) effectively resolving disputes prior to litigation where advantageous to the Company; (3) directly providing effective representation for the Company in appropriate federal, state and alternative venues; (4) overseeing and managing litigation conducted with use of external counsel; (5) overseeing the implementation of effective litigation strategies and achieving strong results and litigation outcomes; (6) effectively communicating with business partners and executive teams regarding litigation and litigation risks; (7) managing internal and external discovery and effectively using and promoting litigation technology and technical capabilities; and (8) advising on litigation related risks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct Representation - Directly represents the Company in litigation matters, including evaluating and analyzing cases brought by and against the Company and providing ongoing legal advice to executive management regarding the likelihood of success and appropriate course of action.  Represents the Companys interests in federal and state courts, as well as administrative hearings and alternative dispute venues; drafting pleadings, motions and other legal documents; and interfacing with opposing counsel, judges and other court/administrative personnel as appropriate.  Solely responsible for analyzing, handling and resolving complex litigation matters retained for internal representation, including cases of first impression and emerging areas of liability (e.g., vicarious liability of managed care organizations).  
• Managing External Counsel.  When referral to outside counsel is required, responsible for recommending, managing and directing outside counsel, reviewing bills and managing litigation costs, managing production of documents and other internal discovery needs; providing an effective interface between external counsel and business teams; overseeing the litigation strategy and its implementation in each case; and effectively communicating within the Company regarding the status of litigation, including working and communicating effectively at the executive level on significant and strategic matters. 
• Pre-Litigation Matters - Analyzes threatened and pending litigation to identify risk management trends, devises practical and optimal solutions or recommendations, and works effectively with appropriate areas of the company to minimize exposure and reduce future liability. Identifies opportunities to resolve issues prior to formal litigation and achieves effective settlement results.
• Other Judicial / Administrative Matters -  Reviews subpoenas, garnishments, and other court issued documents for legal sufficiency, provides direction to legal support staff to ensure that the corporations respond in an appropriate manner and works effectively with business teams.  Oversees the filing of proofs of claim in bankruptcy matters to ensure that the corporations financial interests are adequately protected, and effectively represents the company in other judicial / administrative matters as appropriate.
• Advice and Support - Supports Assistant General Counsel/Divisional by analyzing business operations and recommending and implementing processes to maximize effectiveness of legal resources.  Provides guidance to legal counsel supporting other Divisions/Departments, and less experienced attorneys, in specialized areas of expertise

  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
  This position has no reports, but the nature of the role requires working effectively within a matrixed environment.
  
  QUALIFICATIONS:
  
  Education Level: Juris Doctor Required.

  Licenses/Certifications:

  • Admission to the MD or DC bar is required upon hire.
  • Admission to both the MD and DC bars is required within one year of hire date.
  • Admission to the Virginia Bar is preferred, and admission to additional Bars in certain states, such as Texas or California, will be considered as a plus factor.

  Experience: Minimum 5 years litigation experience, including trials and/or administrative tribunals.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least 6-8 years of significant litigation experience with at least  3 years' experience with litigation issues related to (a) insurance and coverage matters; (b) ERISA, health care, and managed care matters; (c) managing class action and complex litigation; (d) federal/state jurisdiction, venue, and procedural rules; (e) bankruptcy, bad faith claims; and other subject matters relevant to the Company; (f) first-chair experience in court and jury trials, in federal and state courts and arbitration and mediation; and (f) experience with litigation and managing litigation in multiple states and remote venues.

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 

  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions, to be flexible/versatile, and to work independently.
  • Understanding of applicable tribunal rules and development of effective strategies.
  • Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.
    
    

  Salary Range: $179,200 - $320,320
  
  Travel Requirements:  Occasional

  Salary Range Disclaimer

  The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilites of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

  Department

  Legal/Litigation Support

  Equal Employment Opportunity

  CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer.  It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

  Where To Apply

  Please visit our website to apply: www.carefirst.com/careers

  Federal Disc/Physical Demand

  Note:  The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.  Occasional walking or standing is required.  The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects.  The associate must frequently talk and hear.  Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

  Sponsorship in US

  Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship

  #LI-LJ1 

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