Counsel, Auto PD Claims Strategy & Partnerships

Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support business objectives of a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company? If you have legal talent and great interpersonal and communication skills, we want to know more about you!

We provide legal expertise that reflects our commitment to innovative thinking, effective collaboration and a proactive approach to our work. As Counsel, you'll provide expert advice and build strong relationships with fellow team members and business leaders across many levels. We'll count on you to recommend risk management strategies by actively identifying and assessing risks in unique and complex situations that have potential for significant impact to the company.

• Provides advice and expertise on a broad range of legal matters with minimal direction within a specific area of responsibility. Attends business partner meetings to better understand business processes and needs.
• Identifies and assesses risks in unique or complex business situations. Creates risk management/mitigation recommendations demonstrating sound risk assessment and legal skills.
• Addresses situations of high exposure or risk; understands business risk tolerance and considers it in the context of risk management strategies and actions. Has input into or influence on company decision-making.
• Builds creative, practical and effective solutions to issues with no established precedent. May interact with persons outside of the company on behalf of the organization.
• Leads matters that are complex and/or strategic in nature. Understands the business partner's goals, objectives and needs. Advises senior leaders on case law, legislative and regulatory matters. Considers the long-term business and strategic consequences of potential outcomes. Demonstrates strength with clients by clearly communicating legal requirements and cautionary counsel. Effectively responds to challenges and collaborates to achieve risk-mitigated outcomes.
• Builds and maintains a wide network of positive relationships at many levels within the OCLO and with business partners, including at leadership levels.
• Works independently and may also lead teams on group/client tasks, projects or assignments.
• May mentor less experienced attorneys or paralegals on business and legal issues.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: May report to Vice President/Associate Vice President/Managing Counsel. May have the opportunity to supervise up to three legal associates.

• Provides subject matter expertise for significant, high‑risk, or highly complex legal matters related to physical damage repair claims and processes. Regularly attends business partner meetings to better understand business processes and needs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate complex legal considerations into practical, claim business-forward solutions.
• Delivers difficult messages or news and challenges business leaders when necessary; responds to challenges to advice and counsel directly and effectively.
• Considers the long-term business and strategic consequences of possible outcomes by actively identifying, assessing, and advising on potential legal risks in ambiguous, novel, and highly complex business scenarios, particularly those with the greatest potential impact to the company.
• Keeps leaders and appropriate management informed of case law and new legislation, as appropriate.
• Comfort with frequent, routine collaboration and conversations with business partners, with an emphasis on practical, relationship‑driven legal support.

• Experience advising on auto PD claims programs, partnerships and processes at an enterprise or multi‑jurisdictional level. Relevant experience may include advising on broader total loss practices, labor rate determinations, rental/loss of use processes, parts utilization strategies, managed repair or vendor networks.
• Comfort operating in a highly collaborative, business‑embedded environment. Experience in a legal role supporting strategic, enhancement or innovation focused initiatives.

While this position is open to working remotely in the United States, preference is for a candidate to work from a primary Nationwide office, Columbus OH, Des Moines IA, or Scottsdale AZ with the option for a hybrid working environment.

The national salary range for Counsel - 651002 : $138,000.00-$243,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Counsel - 651002 : $138,000.00 - $206,000.00

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

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Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:

We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.