AVP, Sr. Counsel, Leave Management & Statutory Disability

AVP, Sr. Counsel, Leave Management & Statutory DisabilityWe're seeking an experienced AVP, Senior Counsel to lead a team responsible for providing legal guidance and compliance support for Group Protection's leave management and statutory disability products. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, legal expertise, and regulatory oversight while partnering across the organization to support business objectives, ensure compliance, and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. As a trusted advisor you will collaborate with partners across Product, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Underwriting, Claims, and Compliance to manage legal risk, support product development, and maintain compliance with federal and state leave laws.What you'll be doingProviding leadership and development opportunities to a team responsible for legal and compliance support for Group Protection's leave management and statutory disability products.Monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments affecting leave and statutory disability programs, assessing the business impact, and advising stakeholders on emerging risks and opportunities.Partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure products, services, and processes remain compliant with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.Providing legal counsel on complex leave-related matters, including claims escalations, policy interpretation, leave agreements, and operational inquiries.Conducting legal research and analysis regarding proposed and existing laws and regulations, and providing practical, business-focused recommendations.Supporting multiple business functions that serve or impact leave management and statutory disability products.Contributing to enterprise and business unit strategies involving leave-related legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.Building and maintaining strong partnerships with business leaders through active engagement, consultation, and project participation.Representing the organization in discussions with regulators, industry associations, and other external stakeholders on leave and statutory disability matters.Preparing and delivering presentations to customers, brokers, industry groups, and internal audiences.Serving as a subject matter expert on leave management, statutory disability programs, and related legal and regulatory requirements.Identifying, assessing, and communicating legal, regulatory, and compliance risks to senior leadership in a timely and proactive manner.Drafting, negotiating, reviewing, and approving customer agreements and other contracts related to leave programs.Managing dispute resolution matters, regulatory inquiries, and commercial claims.Providing strategic legal and business counsel to senior management and key stakeholders.Supporting compliance programs and initiatives within Group Protection and across the enterprise.Fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making.What we're looking forMust have: 7+ years of legal experience in a large law firm, corporate legal department, or a combination of both. J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. Active membership in at least one state bar and in good standing. Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively with legal colleagues, business partners, and senior leaders. Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and balance business objectives with legal and regulatory requirements.Nice to have: Experience advising on leave management and statutory disability products. Knowledge of federal and state leave laws and the broader leave services regulatory framework. Understanding of leave administration concepts, industry trends, and market developments. Experience supporting insurance, employee benefits, or related financial services products. Demonstrated leadership experience, including team management and development.Application Deadline: Applications for this position will be accepted through October 5, 2026, subject to earlier closure due to applicant volume.What's it like to work here?At Lincoln Financial, we love what we do. We make meaningful contributions each and every day to empower our customers to take charge of their lives. Working alongside dedicated and talented colleagues, we build fulfilling careers and stronger communities through a company that values our unique perspectives, insights and contributions and invests in programs that empower each of us to take charge of our own future.What's in it for you:Clearly defined career tracks and job levels, along with associated behaviors for each of Lincoln's core values and leadership attributesLeadership development and virtual training opportunitiesPTO/parental leaveCompetitive 401K and employee benefitsFree financial counseling, health coaching and employee assistance programTuition assistance programWork arrangements that work for youEffective productivity/technology tools and trainingThe pay range for this position is $127,500 - $232,300 with anticipated pay for new hires between the minimum and midpoint of the range and could vary above and below the listed range as permitted by applicable law. Pay is based on non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to work experience, education, location, licensure requirements, proficiency and qualifications required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Lincoln's total rewards package for employees. In addition, the role may be eligible for the Annual Incentive Program, which is discretionary and based on the performance of the company, business unit and individual. Other rewards may include long-term incentives, sales incentives and Lincoln's standard benefits package.About The CompanyLincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) helps people to confidently plan for their version of a successful future. We focus on identifying a clear path to financial security, with products including annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services. With our 120-year track record of expertise and integrity, millions of customers trust our solutions and service to help put their goals in reach.Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln Financial Corporation and its affiliates including The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. Lincoln Financial affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice.Lincoln is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.