Litigation Counsel

PURPOSE: 
The Litigation General Counsel is responsible for (1) evaluating and analyzing litigation brought by and against CareFirst, Inc., its subsidiaries, and affiliates (“the Company”); (2) effectively resolving disputes prior to litigation where advantageous to the Company; (3) directly providing effective representation for the Company in appropriate federal, state and alternative venues; (4) overseeing and managing litigation conducted with use of external counsel; (5) overseeing the implementation of effective litigation strategies and achieving strong results and litigation outcomes; (6) effectively communicating with business partners and executive teams regarding litigation and litigation risks; (7) managing internal and external discovery and effectively using and promoting litigation technology and technical capabilities; and (8) advising on litigation related risks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct Representation - Directly represents the Company in litigation matters, including evaluating and analyzing cases brought by and against the Company and providing ongoing legal advice to executive management regarding the likelihood of success and appropriate course of action.  Represents the Company’s interests in federal and state courts, as well as administrative hearings and alternative dispute venues; drafting pleadings, motions and other legal documents; and interfacing with opposing counsel, judges and other court/administrative personnel as appropriate.  Solely responsible for analyzing, handling and resolving complex litigation matters retained for internal representation, including cases of first impression and emerging areas of liability (e.g., vicarious liability of managed care organizations).  
• Managing External Counsel.  When referral to outside counsel is required, responsible for recommending, managing and directing outside counsel, reviewing bills and managing litigation costs, managing production of documents and other internal discovery needs; providing an effective interface between external counsel and business teams; overseeing the litigation strategy and its implementation in each case; and effectively communicating within the Company regarding the status of litigation, including working and communicating effectively at the executive level on significant and strategic matters. 
• Pre-Litigation Matters - Analyzes threatened and pending litigation to identify risk management trends, devises practical and optimal solutions or recommendations, and works effectively with appropriate areas of the company to minimize exposure and reduce future liability. Identifies opportunities to resolve issues prior to formal litigation and achieves effective settlement results.
• Other Judicial / Administrative Matters -  Reviews subpoenas, garnishments, and other court issued documents for legal sufficiency, provides direction to legal support staff to ensure that the corporations respond in an appropriate manner and works effectively with business teams.  Oversees the filing of proofs of claim in bankruptcy matters to ensure that the corporation’s financial interests are adequately protected, and effectively represents the company in other judicial / administrative matters as appropriate.
• Advice and Support - Supports Assistant General Counsel/Divisional by analyzing business operations and recommending and implementing processes to maximize effectiveness of legal resources.  Provides guidance to legal counsel supporting other Divisions/Departments, and less experienced attorneys, in specialized areas of expertise
   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position has no reports, but the nature of the role requires working effectively within a matrixed environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Level: Juris Doctor Required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Admission to the MD or DC bar is required upon hire.
• Admission to both the MD and DC bars is required within one year of hire date.
• Admission to the Virginia Bar is preferred, and admission to additional Bars in certain states, such as Texas or California, will be considered as a ‘plus’ factor.

Experience: Minimum 5 years litigation experience, including trials and/or administrative tribunals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 6-8 years of significant litigation experience with at least  3 years' experience with litigation issues related to (a) insurance and coverage matters; (b) ERISA, health care, and managed care matters; (c) managing class action and complex litigation; (d) federal/state jurisdiction, venue, and procedural rules; (e) bankruptcy, bad faith claims; and other subject matters relevant to the Company; (f) first-chair experience in court and jury trials, in federal and state courts and arbitration and mediation; and (f) experience with litigation and managing litigation in multiple states and remote venues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, to be flexible/versatile, and to work independently.
• Understanding of applicable tribunal rules and development of effective strategies.
• Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.