Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Head of Litigation

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. 
 
We’re actively seeking a talented Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Head of Litigation, to join our Office of General Counsel in Newport Beach, CA. 
 
• This role is hybrid/On-site. You’ll be based out of our state-of-the-art Newport Beach headquarters office.  

As Head of Litigation, you’ll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward by overseeing and managing litigation, arbitration and mediation activity across Pacific Life, with a particular focus on:

• Effectively managing the enterprise’s litigation portfolio

  • Manage internal litigation processes from pre-trial through appellate phases

  • Select and manage outside counsel

  • Build and maintain effective industry relationships

  • Manage litigation budgets

• Advising business and enterprise leaders on complex legal issues, with a view toward mitigating litigation risks

​

You will fill a newly created role that sits on a team of 8 people in the Office of General Counsel division. Your peers will include Division General Counsels and others providing key support to Pacific Life’s Investment, Finance, HR, IT and other functional teams.

 
How you’ll help move us forward: 

• Efficient and effective litigation case management from pre-trial through trial/appellate phases, including selection and management of external counsel, as well as development and execution of litigation strategies. As part of these responsibilities, you will be expected to:

  • Develop and manage outside counsel guidelines and manage litigation budgets, and

  • Build and maintain effective industry relationships

• Proactive engagement with, and advice and counsel to, business and enterprise leaders with respect to complex legal and business matters and the associated litigation risks, including sensitive product, claims, policy administration, intellectual property and contract dispute issues. In coordination with your colleagues within the business divisions and the Office of General Counsel (OGC), you will be expected to:

  • Support the development and execution of effective claims and policy administration capabilities

  • Develop root cause analyses of complaints and complex legal issues, and modify processes and procedures to mitigate legal risks

  • Manage and mentor internal team supporting litigation management function.

 
The experience you bring: 

•  Minimum 15 years of legal experience, with significant in-house experience managing litigation portfolio for a life insurance and annuity carrier (or comparable financial services experience)

• Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees

• Unquestioned integrity, as well as strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills

• Member in good standing of the California State Bar (or other U.S. jurisdiction)

 
You can be who you are. 
 
People come first here. We’re committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific