Open General Counsel Position

July 11, 2008

We Need Your Help

In anticipation of legislative approval of six exempt Executive positions, we will be filling the position of General Counsel on a consulting basis until the legislation is adopted.  This position is exempt from the California Civil Service system and is open to all applicants.

Below are the job responsibilities, candidate profile, and specific requirements for the position. If you are interested in applying, please forward your resume to State Fund's Human Resources Department attention Tamara Faasii at tfaasii@scif.com.

General Counsel Position

Reporting Relationship/Job Responsibilities

The General Counsel will report directly to the State Fund Board of Directors, with an administrative reporting relationship to Janet D. Frank, President of State Fund. General Counsel will attend all Board meetings and hold periodic executive sessions with Board members.

The General Counsel leads a legal staff responsible for all State Fund legal matters; including the provision of counsel and guidance to the ongoing operations and activities of State Fund, ensuring the protection of the legal rights of State Fund, and compliance with policies established by the Board and the President. General Counsel is also responsible for the internal audit program.

• Directs all legal activities for the Fund including developing and managing the legal budget, selecting and supervising outside counsel, ensuring protection of the legal rights of State Fund, and achieving compliance with policies established by the Board and President.
• Directs the defense of the organization against suits, claims, or other legal actions. Prosecutes State Fund’s claims against others.
• Reviews and monitors reports, operations, and all obligations with legal implications.
• Reviews and monitors legislation and regulations that affect State Fund and its operations.
• Selects, retains, and guides appropriate outside counsel to meet specific functions and needs and manages/coordinates such counsel and State Fund business units.
• Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures, and programs. Provides continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.
• Directs involvement on all major business transactions and in negotiating critical contracts.
• Assists in defining what authority the Board delegates to committees from a legal perspective and assists the Board in identifying when outside specialists are needed.
• Recruits, trains, and builds the capabilities of legal staff in order to:
  • More effectively meet business requirements
  • Engage and retain top legal talent
  • Reduce State Fund’s dependence on external contract legal resources
• Ensures compliance with all facets of State Fund’s internal audit charter and agreements.
• Provides training on legal/policy issues to staff and the Board as required.

Candidate Profile/Specific Requirements

The successful candidate will possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution, be licensed, and in good standing as a member of a state Bar, preferably in California. The candidate should possess at least 12 years experience in managing legal, legislative, and regulatory affairs of corporations with preference for experience in the insurance or professional services environment.

The right candidate will have the proven ability to interact with a variety of personalities, make immediate decisions, and have the ability to work on several tasks at any given time while remaining professional and level-headed in a fast-paced environment. A self-starter, he/she will possess a management style capable of working effectively in a collaborative environment.

Salary

Salary commensurate with skills, experience, and market competitiveness and will be determined by the State Fund Board of Directors.