Lead Legal Counsel

As the Lead Legal Counsel at Blue Cross NC, your primary responsibilities will include managing day-to-day activities of the Law and Compliance Department, advising on legal implications of corporate governance, and providing counsel on major business transactions. You will oversee contract drafting and review, manage litigation matters, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations such as ERISA and HIPAA, making sure our subsidiaries adhere to all legal requirements.

The ideal candidate for the Lead Legal Counsel position at Blue Cross NC should have a JD degree and be licensed to practice law. You should possess at least ten years of professional legal experience, including five years in a leadership role within the healthcare sector. Expertise in ERISA compliance, corporate law, and a strong understanding of healthcare regulations is essential to successfully navigate the complexities of this role.

The Lead Legal Counsel at Blue Cross NC plays a crucial role in shaping corporate strategy by providing insightful legal counsel to the senior leadership team. By identifying legal risks, advising on compliance issues, and developing strategic legal solutions, you help ensure that the organization's strategies align with regulatory requirements, ultimately supporting Blue Cross NC's mission to improve healthcare access and delivery.

Preferred experience for the Lead Legal Counsel role at Blue Cross NC includes a demonstrated track record in a senior position at a national healthcare law firm or as General Counsel for a healthcare organization. Candidates should have experience dealing with statutory and regulatory compliance, particularly involving self-insured health and welfare plans, managed care, and corporate transactions, which are vital to supporting organizational objectives.

The compensation range for the Lead Legal Counsel position at Blue Cross NC is between $250,000 and $300,000 annually. This range reflects a fair determination based on factors such as experience, education, and skills. Additionally, Blue Cross NC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including performance-based bonuses, health benefits, and a 401(k) plan with employer match, ensuring a competitive and supportive employment experience.

When preparing to answer this question, focus on your specific experiences related to ERISA and HIPAA compliance. Discuss any roles where you ensured adherence to these regulations, mentioning particular challenges you faced and how you addressed them. Provide examples of policies you developed or implemented to maintain compliance and highlight any successful outcomes.

In answering this question, outline your negotiation strategy, which could include thorough research, understanding the interests of all parties, and clear communication. Discuss your experience in negotiating significant contracts, emphasizing how you find win-win solutions. Highlight your ability to analyze contract language and work collaboratively to resolve conflicts.

To effectively respond, explain your methodical approach to risk assessment, which should involve staying updated on legal trends, consulting with various departments, and using risk management tools. Share past experiences where your proactive measures helped avoid litigation or non-compliance. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to devise strategies to mitigate identified risks.

Your answer should illustrate your conflict resolution skills, emphasizing collaboration and communication. Describe how you would initiate constructive dialogue, seek to understand the other department's perspective, and work towards a mutual resolution. Providing an example where you successfully mediated such a conflict will strengthen your response.

In your answer, be sure to outline the project's scope, your role, and the challenges you faced. Focus on your leadership skills, how you managed your team and resources, and the impact of the project on the organization. Use metrics or outcomes to measure success, and emphasize your strategic thinking throughout the project lifecycle.

When answering this question, discuss the importance of a strong compliance culture and how it protects the organization. Share your strategies for fostering this culture, such as training programs, transparent communication, and leading by example. Providing real-world examples of how you cultivated compliance in past roles will demonstrate your commitment and effectiveness.

Your answer should outline your understanding of the business's goals and how you incorporate those into your legal advice. Describe your cooperative approach with other departments to align legal guidance with strategic objectives, ensuring that legal considerations support rather than hinder business decisions. Offering examples from previous roles will enrich your response.

Share strategies that highlight your ability to manage relationships with external legal counsel effectively. Discuss how you ensure alignment on objectives, set clear expectations, and monitor performance. Examples where you successfully coordinated with outside counsel on litigation or compliance matters can effectively illustrate your management approach.

In your response, provide an overview of your litigation management experience, including types of cases you have overseen. Discuss your role in directing litigation strategy, coordinating with outside counsel, and advising senior management. Highlight any successful outcomes from your litigation management that underscore your ability to navigate complex legal challenges.

Discuss your proactive approach to staying informed about evolving healthcare laws, such as subscribing to industry publications, participating in professional networks, and attending relevant seminars or webinars. Explain how you apply this knowledge to your role and share examples of how staying updated has benefitted your previous employers in navigating compliance challenges.