Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Lincoln Financial is seeking an AVP, Sr. Counsel to lead legal and compliance support for Group Protection’s leave management and statutory disability products. The role provides strategic legal guidance, regulatory oversight, and risk management while partnering across business functions and representing Lincoln with regulators and other external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Providing leadership and development opportunities to a team responsible for legal and compliance support for Group Protection's leave management and statutory disability products
• Monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments affecting leave and statutory disability programs, assessing the business impact, and advising stakeholders on emerging risks and opportunities
• Partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure products, services, and processes remain compliant with applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Providing legal counsel on complex leave-related matters, including claims escalations, policy interpretation, leave agreements, and operational inquiries
• Conducting legal research and analysis regarding proposed and existing laws and regulations, and providing practical, business-focused recommendations
• Supporting multiple business functions that serve or impact leave management and statutory disability products
• Contributing to enterprise and business unit strategies involving leave-related legal, regulatory, and compliance matters
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with business leaders through active engagement, consultation, and project participation
• Representing the organization in discussions with regulators, industry associations, and other external stakeholders on leave and statutory disability matters
• Preparing and delivering presentations to customers, brokers, industry groups, and internal audiences
• Serving as a subject matter expert on leave management, statutory disability programs, and related legal and regulatory requirements
• Identifying, assessing, and communicating legal, regulatory, and compliance risks to senior leadership in a timely and proactive manner
• Drafting, negotiating, reviewing, and approving customer agreements and other contracts related to leave programs
• Managing dispute resolution matters, regulatory inquiries, and commercial claims
• Providing strategic legal and business counsel to senior management and key stakeholders
• Supporting compliance programs and initiatives within Group Protection and across the enterprise
• Fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making

Skills

• 7+ years of legal experience in a large law firm, corporate legal department, or a combination of both
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active membership in at least one state bar and in good standing
• Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively with legal colleagues, business partners, and senior leaders
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and balance business objectives with legal and regulatory requirements
• Experience advising on leave management and statutory disability products
• Knowledge of federal and state leave laws and the broader leave services regulatory framework
• Understanding of leave administration concepts, industry trends, and market developments
• Experience supporting insurance, employee benefits, or related financial services products
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management and development

Benefits

• Clearly defined career tracks and job levels, along with associated behaviors for each of Lincoln's core values and leadership attributes
• Leadership development and virtual training opportunities
• PTO/parental leave
• Competitive 401K and employee benefits
• Free financial counseling, health coaching and employee assistance program
• Tuition assistance program
• Work arrangements that work for you
• Effective productivity/technology tools and training
• May be eligible for the Annual Incentive Program, which is discretionary and based on the performance of the company, business unit and individual
• Other rewards may include long-term incentives, sales incentives and Lincoln's standard benefits package

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