Description:

Position Summary:
Assists with providing legal counsel and guidance in ordinary and special business activities and operations, and/or insurance claims and litigation, to ensure maximum protection of ERIE's legal rights and maintenance of operations and activities within the limits prescribed by law. May interface with outside counsel in the defense of ERIE against suits or claims, or the prosecution of ERIE's claims against others.

This is an opportunity for a motivated lawyer to join a growing team and advise on privacy, data, digital, cybersecurity and technology issues. The work location for this position is ERIE's Home Office in Erie, PA.

In a highly complex and evolving business, legal and technology environment, the successful candidate will deliver sound, actionable advice on legal, regulatory and operational matters. The successful candidate will serve as a partner to our business leaders in developing strategies to support ERIE's established business and to drive innovation and growth, while continually advancing ERIE's mission and principles.
  • Provide practical and forward-thinking legal advice on moderate- and high-complexity projects relating to privacy, data, digital, technology and cybersecurity.
  • Counsel on new technologies and areas of risk such as Artificial Intelligence.
  • Review, negotiate, and draft commercial contract terms, including software, data licensing and cloud computing agreements, data processing and security addenda, non-disclosure agreements, and other services agreements. Advise on contract interpretation and risk as well as contract disputes.
  • Counsel on privacy and security incident preparedness, response and management.
  • Train relevant stakeholders on cybersecurity, privacy, contracting, data protection laws and regulatory guidance in the US.

Experience in one or more of these areas of responsibility is strongly preferred. Privacy and/or cybersecurity certifications such as CIPP/US, CIPM, or CISSP strongly preferred.

The Hiring Manager will also consider candidates for the position of Counsel I. The level of position offered will be based upon the depth and breadth of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists in rendering opinions and advice involving the company's legal activities, including extensive and detailed research of the issues involved.
  • Provides legal counsel and advice to officers and other personnel on corporate and operational matters involving legal problems when requested.
  • Reviews proposed and existing legislation affecting ERIE's member companies and assists in establishing the company's position. Prepares and/or assists in preparing a regulatory and legislative update to ERIE management.
  • Assists in implementing various regulations and legislation with respect to ERIE operations.
  • Participates in trade associations and regulatory and legislative hearings and meetings as directed or requested.
  • Prepares or reviews proposed contracts, leases and other formal agreements in order to safeguard the company's interests. Reviews drafts of ERIE's insurance policies, forms and endorsements.
  • Provides legal research, advice and guidance on insurance claims.
  • Counsels and advises corporate personnel on legal issues including, but not limited to, those related to real and personal property, taxes, advertising, trademarks, copyright and promotion programs, contracts, personnel matters, public relations, underwriting and claims interpretation.
  • Handles legal assignments as directed or requested.
  • The first four duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be accomplished.
  • This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become evident.

Qualifications:
J.D. or L.L.B. degree from accredited law school required. Five years of law experience, preferably in corporate and/or insurance law, required. Admitted to practice, and in good standing, in at least one state; if not admitted in Pennsylvania, eligible for admission by reciprocity, limited in-house admission, or examination required. This position may require the incumbent to travel on short notice and may include overnight stays.