Counsel II

Date: Nov 26, 2024

Location: Erie, PA, US, 16530

Company: Erie Insurance

Division or Field Office:

Law Division

Department of Position: Data, Privacy & Tech Dept 

Work from:

Home Office, Erie PA 
Salary Range:

$134,139.00 - $214,273.00 *

salary range is for this level and may vary based on actual level of role hired for

*This range represents a national range and the actual salary will depend on several factors including the scope and complexity of the role and the skills, education, training, credentials, location, and experience of an applicant, as well as level of role for which the successful candidate is hired. Position may be eligible for an annual bonus payment.

 

At Erie Insurance, you’re not just part of a Fortune 500 company; you’re also a valued member of a diverse and inclusive team that includes more than 6,000 employees and over 13,000 independent agencies.  Our Employees work in the Home Office complex located in Erie, PA, and in our Field Offices that span 12 states and the District of Columbia. 

Benefits That Go Beyond The Basics

We strive to be Above all in Service® to our customers—and to our employees. That’s why Erie Insurance offers you an exceptional benefits package, including:

  • Premier health, prescription, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents. Coverage begins your first day of work.
  • Low contributions to medical and prescription premiums. We currently pay up to 97% of employees’ monthly premium costs.
  • Pension. We are one of only 13 Fortune 500 companies to offer a traditional pension plan. Full-time employees are vested after five years of service.
  • 401(k) with up to 4% contribution match. The 401(k) is offered in addition to the pension.
  • Paid time off. Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, bereavement days and parental leave.
  • Career development. Including a tuition reimbursement program for higher education and industry designations.
     

Additional benefits that include company-paid basic life insurance; short-and long-term disability insurance; orthodontic coverage for children and adults; adoption assistance; fertility and infertility coverage; well-being programs; paid volunteer hours for service to your community; and dollar-for-dollar matching of your charitable gifts each year.

 

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.

 

 

  • The successful candidate will work from the Home Office, Erie PA.
  • The successful candidate will be expected to provide support in the areas of technology, AI, privacy, cybersecurity and data use.  Primary responsibilities will include reviewing and negotiating AI, technology, data and other contracts to support critical acquisition and use of technology capabilities and services, and advising the Company on legal obligations in the rapidly evolving world of data privacy and cybersecurity, including GLBA, FCRA, NY DFS Cybersecurity Regulation, evolving AI regulation, and various other federal and state laws.  Responsibilities may include providing legal support for company transactions in other areas outside of the technology space.  Experience in one or more of these areas is strongly preferred.
  • The Hiring Manager will also consider candidates for a Counsel I or Counsel III role.  Level of position offered will be based upon the depth and breadth of 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.


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.

Competencies

Values Diversity
Self-Development
Nimble Learning
Collaborates
Information Management Skills
Customer Focus
Cultivates Innovation
Job-Specific Knowledge
Instills Trust
Optimizes Work Processes
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

Lifting/Moving 0-20 lbs; Occasional (<20%)
Lifting/Moving 20-50 lbs; Occasional (<20%)
Ability to move over 50 lbs using lifting aide equipment; Occasional (<20%)
Driving; Occasional (<20%)
Pushing/Pulling/moving objects, equipment with wheels; Occasional (<20%)
Manual Keying/Data Entry/inputting information/computer use; Often (20-50%)
Climbing/accessing heights; Rarely


Nearest Major Market: Erie