Assistant Counsel Jobs in Michigan

Job Title:

Assistant General Counsel II - Contracts

Number of Positions:

2

Location:

Okemos, MI

Location Specifics:

Hybrid Position

Job Summary:

At Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana we work to improve oral health through benefit plans, advocacy and community support, and we amplify this mission by investing in initiatives that build healthy, smart, vibrant communities. We are one of the largest dental plan administrators in the country, and are part of the Delta Dental Plans Association, which operates two of the largest dental networks in the nation.

At Delta Dental, we celebrate our All In culture. It’s a mindset, feeling and attitude we wrap around all that we do – from taking charge of our careers, to helping colleagues and lending a hand in the community.

Position Description:

With limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership, supports the company’s contracting and contract management efforts. Protect the legal interests of the company and minimize legal risk by providing legal counsel and support services on behalf of Delta Dental of Michigan and its affiliates and subsidiaries in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, corporate governance documents, contracts and internal policies.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Supports the company’s information technology development, management and contracting efforts, including but not limited to: reviews, drafts and negotiates (with business input) all contracts for the company and its affiliates, including but not limited to all group benefit contracts, government program contracts, agency agreements, independent contractor agreements, consulting agreements, research agreements, provider agreements, marketing agreements, leases, authorizations, confidentiality agreements, waivers, releases, information technology-related contracts (software, hardware, cloud service, and software as a service agreements) and vendor contracts; manages/updates template agreements; identifies issues and crafts and implements resolutions; reviews solicitations and prepares responses for proposals, bids, and contract modifications; prepares requests for proposals; analyzes contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, laws, regulations, corporate policies and business unit procedure; communicates contract policy and practice to internal business teams; prepares and administers correspondence, negotiation memoranda, and other contract documentation; prepares, organizes and maintains contract records and files documenting contract performance and compliance; conducts research to support the contract management function and identifies contracting trends; works with internal or external business teams on issues and developments relative to assigned contracts; analyzes new laws, regulations and contract trends for potential impact on business goals and objectives; and participates in development of complex business alliances and partnering agreements.

• Provides legal services and counsel on other issues associated with the company's activities as needed, with limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Examines records, conducts investigations, and consults with department managers, employees, customers, agents, vendors, business partners, and Legal and Compliance Specialists with limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Properly identifies and assesses risks and designs and/or implements controls to mitigate those risks with limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Researches, plans, organizes and conducts programs, seminars, conferences and/or presentations for clients and employees to educate on legal matters with limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Conducts legal research, drafts legal correspondence and memorandums, and offers legal opinions and advice on legal matters with limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Supports corporate initiatives and provides advice and counsel to the company and its affiliates on a broad range of corporate, commercial, transactional, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy and security, and other matters limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership.

• Assists with preparing responses to regulatory inquiries and to customer complaints and grievances.

• With limited oversight from senior attorneys and/or department leadership, support company litigation efforts and/or assist senior attorneys’ company litigation efforts as necessary, including but not limited to: drafts legal pleadings, motions, memorandums, trial briefs and appeals; represents the company before courts, arbitration panels and/or administrative agencies; prepares for and/or conducts depositions; participates in settlement negotiations on behalf of the company; drafts/negotiates settlement agreements; and communicates with outside counsel.

• Works with senior attorneys or department leadership on complex projects.

• Works on special projects as assigned.

Perform other related assigned duties as necessary to complete the Primary Job Responsibilities as described above.

Minimum Requirements:

Position requires a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the bar (in good standing) in employed state(s), and a minimum of five years legal experience with two years of relevant contract experience. Two years’ experience in the insurance industry preferred. Will accept any suitable combination of education, training, or experience.

Knowledge of insurance regulatory law or health and benefits law is desirable, but not required. Experience analyzing and drafting insurance company filings is also preferred but not required. Position also requires some understanding of the insurance industry and corporate law; meaningful experience with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of contracts including but not limited to group benefit contracts, agency agreements, independent contractor agreements, consulting agreements, research agreements, provider agreements, marketing agreements, leases, authorizations, waivers, releases, and/or vendor contracts; meaningful experience with analyzing and providing advice regarding contract interpretation and compliance; demonstrable critical thinking skills; ability to adapt legal analyses to meet business strategy and needs; ability to effectively work directly with mid-management and department heads; ability to proactively identify potential risks related to practice area(s) when exposed to day-to-day operations or strategies; ability to recognize potential legal risks outside the designated area(s) of expertise and bring in additional subject matter assistance as needed; ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines; the ability to work independently and as part of a team with limited supervision from senior attorneys; and the ability to identify and resolve moderately difficult legal issues using independent judgment.

The company will provide equal employment and advancement opportunity within the context of its unique business environment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, familial status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, height, weight, military status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law or ordinance.