Description:

Position Summary:
Assists with providing legal counsel and guidance on ordinary and special business activities and operations, and/or insurance claims and litigation, to ensure maximum protection of ERIE's legal rights and maintenance of operations and activities within the limits prescribed by law. Directs or interfaces with outside legal counsel in the defense of ERIE against lawsuits or claims, or the prosecution of ERIE's claims against others.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

property and casualty or life insurance operations (including insurance coverage, product development underwriting or regulatory matters)
insurance agency or broker regulation and operations
electronic payments
commercial law
Candidates with related corporate counseling, regulatory, transactional or civil litigation experience, especially in highly regulated industries, may also be considered. *Experience in more than one of these areas is not required.
The Hiring Manager will also consider candidates for a Counsel I position, requiring a J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school and at least five years of legal experience, preferably in corporate and/or insurance law. Level of position offered will be based upon the depth and breadth of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists with the organization and direction of the company's legal activities.
Assists in directing the defense of the company against suits or claims, and assists in initiating legal actions to support the company's claims against others.
Provides legal counsel and guidance to officers and other personnel on corporate and operational matters involving legal problems.
Prepares or reviews proposed contracts, leases and other formal agreements and legal instruments in order to safeguard the company's interests. Reviews drafts of ERIE's insurance policies, forms and endorsements.
Drafts and revises insurance contracts and related documents to ensure conformity with applicable statutes, regulations, administrative orders, circulars, bulletins and other applicable legal authority.
Researches and interprets statutes, regulations, case law, insurance department bulletins and other applicable legal authority. Provides legal advice and guidance to various departments of the company.
Provides legal research, advice and guidance on insurance claims.
Reviews proposed and existing legislation affecting the Erie Insurance Group and advises and consults with General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel and Senior Counsel on the position of the company with regard to such matters.
Counsels and advises corporate personnel on legal issues including, but not limited to, those related to real and personal property, taxes, advertising, trademarks, copyright and promotion programs, contracts, personnel matters, public relations, underwriting and claims interpretation.
Participates in trade associations and regulatory and legislative hearings and meetings as directed or requested.
Handles legal assignments as directed or requested.

The first five duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be accomplished.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function. For certain positions at ERIE, including leadership roles, regular and predictable onsite presence may also be an essential job function based on business and operational needs.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become evident.

Capabilities

Values Diversity
Self-Development
Nimble Learning
Collaborates
Information Management Skills
Customer Focus
Cultivates Innovation
Job-Specific Knowledge
Instills Trust
Optimizes Work Processes (IC)
Ensures Accountability
Decision Quality

Qualifications:
Minimum Educational Requirements
J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school required.

Additional Experience

Ten years of related experience, preferably in corporate and/or insurance law, required.
Knowledge or experience with insurance or financial industry preferred.
Admitted to practice, and in good standing, in at least one state; if not admitted in Pennsylvania, eligible for admission by reciprocity, limited in-house admission, or examination required.
This position may require the incumbent to travel on short notice and may include overnight stays.

Physical Requirements: