The Associate General Counsel (AGC) will be a Senior Director-level member of the Blue Shield of California Law Department. The Law Department partners with the Company’s business leaders to inspire legal and ethical behavior in the achievement of the company’s mission. The Law Department is a diverse organization comprised of top tier, analytical and business knowledgeable attorneys; paralegals; contract and regulatory specialists; compliance specialists, and administrative support staff.

This AGC position will report to the Health Law managing attorney and will function as primary counsel for assigned business and functional areas. The Health Law team is highly regarded within the Company and respected by management. The AGC will provide advice and counsel on a broad range of health law matters, with a particular focus on transactional support for strategic Blue Shield initiatives. The AGC should be well versed in both state and federal law, effectively adapt to change, and skillfully address leading edge legal concerns as they arise. The AGC must demonstrate a strong drive for excellence along with business acumen and the ability to lead team members in the accomplishment of corporate goals.

In this role, you will:

• Advise at all levels on legal, regulatory, investigational, and contractual matters having a material impact on Blue Shield’s strategic, operational, and reputational goals
• Function as primary counsel for assigned business and functional areas coordinating all required legal services as an integral member of the leadership team
• Apply a working knowledge of health plan benefit design, medical policy, utilization management, pharmacy benefit management and specialty coverage to effectively advise on novel approaches to health care delivery
• Manage relationships with the Department of Managed Health Care, the California Department of Insurance and the Department of Labor, including regulatory filings and responses to Departmental inquires
• Assume a leadership role in innovative projects, initiatives, and transactions, requiring specialized legal knowledge and management skills. Work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal business leaders and outside counsel
• Effectively manage business transactions, including contract negotiation, with large, sophisticated healthcare vendors and new market participants alike. Successfully deliver business solutions with favorable contract terms and shepherd these agreements through the regulatory approval process
• Design and implement policies, in consultation with the SVP/GC, governing Law Department organization, mission, strategy, and goals
• Create, foster, and maintain relationships with internal and external clients and constituents that enhance the Blue Shield reputation as a health plan, employer, and corporate citizen
• In consultation with appropriate Law Department leadership, retain, oversee, and manage the work of outside counsel and ensure adherence to outside counsel budget
• In consultation with Law Department leaders and the SVP/GC, establish legal policy and process standards for assigned business and functional areas and enterprise-wide

Your Knowledge and Experience

• Juris Doctorate degree from a respected law school and Bar admission (CA strongly preferred)
• Seven to 10 years of relevant legal experience providing payor-side legal advice in the managed care context. Law firm and in-house counsel experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act, the Affordable Care Act, the California Insurance Code, ERISA, and HIPAA
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts between health plans and external vendors. Superior contract drafting skills integrating legal and business acumen.
• Personal presence, communication skills, credibility, and the professional demeanor necessary to interact with company executives and management, regulatory bodies, and outside business entities confidently and persuasively
• Self-motivated, collaborative, solution oriented and willing to “get in the boat” with clients.
• Personal integrity, excellent judgment, intuitive, and adaptable with the ability to prioritize and make difficult decisions quickly.

For more information about the position and to apply online, please visit: https://bsc.taleo.net/careersection/bsc_external_career_section/jobdetail.ftl?job=22001Z1&lang=en&sns_id=mailto#.YnPtGQks1xE.mailto