Senior Counsel - Employment

Job Description As a Senior Counsel - Employment, you will provide strategic legal guidance on complex matters that may include high-value transactions, litigation, regulatory compliance, and corporate initiatives with significant financial impact. You'll bring deep expertise in employment law (including benefits & compensation), partnering closely with senior leadership, company officers and subsidiaries to support business objectives. This role is a key leadership position within the Legal Department, offering the opportunity to influence major decisions and drive legal excellence across the organization. What You’ll Do Provide day-to‑day employment law counseling on matters such as hiring, performance management, employee discipline, terminations, accommodations, leaves of absence, wage and hour compliance, workplace investigations, employee relations, and state‑specific employment law mandates. Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA, and state‑specific requirements. Draft, review, and update employment‑related policies, handbooks, and procedures. Advise and counsel Company Officers and senior management on diverse legal issues that arise in the Company's business operations, specifically employment law; research and prepare legal memoranda and opinions applying technical legal knowledge to varying business situations and personnel issues; assist management with risk identification and management. Supervise federal or state litigation when the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a party in interest. Oversee employment‑related litigation and EEOC charges. Respond to administrative complaints and information requests and represent the Company in such matters. Negotiate resolutions of employment disputes, severance agreements, and settlement agreements. Assist the Company and its subsidiaries with business transactions, corporate governance, and the development of new products, services, and business relationships. Provide employment‑law support for corporate transactions, including due diligence, integration planning, and workforce‑related risk assessments. Confere and negotiate with attorneys and management in other companies. Attend high‑level conferences involving BCBSNC management and experts in other companies or senior government positions. Provide training to internal clients and Company leadership on timely and relevant legal issues. Represent the Company before federal and state regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the Company. Assist the Company and its subsidiaries with assuring compliance with laws and regulations governing its business, including preparation and timely submission of mandated regulatory filings. Select and oversee outside counsel representing the Company and its subsidiaries. Research, interpret, and advise on statutory and case law, administrative rules, and regulations. Monitor legislative and regulatory proposals, evaluate such proposals, and assist Company management with formulating the Company’s position on these matters. Lead practice‑area team (e.g., litigation, network management, government programs); informally coach and mentor Legal Department team members. Participate in development of, interpret, and improve Company policies. Assist the Company with implementing existing and new programs, policies, and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. What You Bring Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school 8+ years of relevant legal experience Licensed to practice law in North Carolina or must obtain license within 1 year of employment. Bonus Points Strong business acumen with the ability to align legal strategy with organizational goals Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. What You’ll Get The opportunity to work at thecutting edgeof health care delivery with a teamthat’sdeeply invested in the community. Work‑life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to dogreat work Medical, dental, and vision coverage along withnumeroushealth and wellness programs. Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacyassistance Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education 401k match including an annual company contribution Learn more Where You’ll Work Our Hybrid Flex approach is built on presence with a purpose - giving you flexibility to work remotely with intentional in‑person connection that supports a workplace that’s flexible, connected, and future‑focused. In a Hybrid‑Flex role, you’ll work in the office at least two days a week for collaboration and connection. In a Remote Flex role, you’ll work virtually, with a few in‑office visits each year for meaningful moments that matter. Whether your role is Hybrid Flex or Remote Flex depends on the nature of the work and distance from our Durham headquarters. We welcome candidates from outside the local area and in any state listed on this job posting. On‑site expectations will be discussed during the interview process. Salary Range At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market‑price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs. Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs. Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance. $191,153.00 - $305,845.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr