VP & Associate General Counsel, Commercial

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

CNA is recruiting for a Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Commercial, for our U.S. Businesses Law Department. The position will report to the Senior Vice President, Head of Legal for U.S. Businesses, and have direct oversight of the Commercial Legal team, which includes 8 team members. This role will be accountable for the team providing legal, regulatory, transactional and product support to the Commercial Lines Business.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned lawyer possessing extensive knowledge of Commercial insurance products and services. The successful candidate also will bring significant experience in working across a diverse range of disciplines, including transactions, product development, and insurance regulatory matters.

Advanced communication skills and an ability to establish oneself as a trusted advisor to all levels of business partners and cross-functional partners are critical to the success of the role. The ability to build consensus and influence internal and external relationships in a matrixed environment is critical. Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to drive results by identifying and resolving problems within the scope of responsibility are required.

General requirements for the role are a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a license to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. The ideal candidate also will have a minimum of 15 years of related legal work experience with deep expertise in Commercial Insurance.

Officer position responsible for providing overall management and direction for legal support and advice to assigned business lines or corporate functions to include financial matters, employment and benefit law, contract drafting and/or negotiations, licensing agreements, litigation management and strategy, or regulatory support. Directs the development and implementation of strategic and operational objectives, in accordance with the company's strategic plans.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic and tactical legal counseling to Commercial underwriting and operational teams.

• Provides product development guidance and support. Manages and mitigates legal, compliance, and regulatory risks that may arise relevant to the unique business operations.

• Provides timely and accurate responses to all levels of the business regarding related legal, regulatory and transactional issues by conducting research and analysis, interpreting contractual provisions, and documenting legal opinions and recommendations. 

• Provides leadership to lawyers supporting Commercial business units and lines of business and ensures that the team members provide proactive, timely and high-quality legal services to the businesses.  

• Leads, directs and manages a team in the area of responsibility with an emphasis on talent development.  

• Reviews external communication materials, marketing collateral, presentations, and training materials.

• Facilitates business partner learning by developing and delivering training.

• Maintains current Commercial Lines business-specific knowledge base with respect to legislative, regulatory and compliance developments and proactively ensures compliance with state/local/federal requirements.

• Participates in market conduct exams and investigates and reviews responses to DOI complaints.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and change management skills. Champions CNA through an in-depth understanding of the company’s ability to serve as a differentiator in the

• Commercial Lines marketplace regarding CNA products and services, as well as a working knowledge and understanding of competitor products and services.

• Demonstrated ability to partner with and support the growth and development of the Commercial business.

• Significant experience working as a trusted advisor to internal business partners.

• A demonstrated ability to succinctly present complex topics through an approachable and relatable presence.     

• Demonstrated problem solving mindset with critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively evaluate and resolve ambiguous and challenging business problems.      

• Demonstrated ability to interpret, negotiate and draft complex contracts.

• Ability to prioritize, manage,