The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) is California's trusted, objective provider of actuarially-based information and research, advisory pure premium rates, and educational services integral to a healthy workers' compensation system. The WCIRB is a California unincorporated, private, nonprofit association comprised of all companies licensed to transact workers' compensation insurance in California, and has over 400 member companies. No state money is used to fund its operations. The operations of the WCIRB are funded primarily by membership fees and assessments.
To accurately measure the cost of providing workers' compensation benefits, the WCIRB performs a number of functions, including collection of premium and loss data on every workers' compensation insurance policy, examination of policy documents, inspections of insured businesses, and test audits of insurer payroll audits and claims classification.
The WCIRB employs approximately 175 people. The home office is located in Oakland, California.
Bring your legal expertise, communication, leadership, and people skills to the WCIRB.
The Counsel works closely with the Managing Counsel and Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to anticipate, assess and work closely with business partners to address legal and business issues, identify risks and potential liabilities and develop well-reasoned and effective solutions. Counsel proactively anticipates and recognizes issues and proposes innovative and responsive solutions, is knowledgeable regarding the statutes, regulations, and procedures relevant to the WCIRB and is a resource for staff in all departments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Provide legal services in a wide range of areas, including but not limited to general business matters, regulatory compliance, privacy and security, litigation, intellectual property, contracts, records retention, subpoenas and document production, procedures documentation, legislation, risk management and governance.
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Prepare cases on appeal to the California Department of Insurance (CDI) pertaining to the application of the Commissioner’s regulations and monitor and consult on staff’s responses to Inquiries and Complaints.
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Draft revisions to the Insurance Commissioner’s regulations and WCIRB advisory plans.
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Perform internal quality assurance reviews for the Audit Committee.
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Draft standard endorsement forms and policyholder notices; maintain and update the Forms Manual; review non-standard forms, including ancillary agreements, for compliance with California law; and provide legal advice regarding forms compliance issues.
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Manage the WCIRB intellectual property, including all copyright and trademark submissions.
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Negotiate and draft WCIRB contracts with members, outside vendors, consultants and business partners and update online Terms of Use, Privacy Policies and click-through agreements.
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Draft WCIRB bulletins, committee agendas and minutes, and working group meeting materials and summaries, and participate in Committee and Working Group meetings as necessary.
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Conduct staff training regarding a variety of legal topics including privacy and security matters; handling inquiries, complaints and appeals; the contract and purchase order process; and Custodian of Records requirements.
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Manage the fraud request and subpoena processes, including subpoenas for the testimony of WCIRB witnesses, and manage the Coverage Website to ensure compliance with regulations, statutes, and best practices.
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Respond to requests for information from employers, agents and brokers, attorneys, governmental agencies and insurers.
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Review external facing communications, publications, presentations, web postings and decisions prior to issuance to ensure compliance.
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Monitor and analyze legislation and review regulations and statutes pertaining to WCIRB operations to ensure compliance.
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Conduct legal research on a wide range of issues and provide written analysis.
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Maintain and enhance required skills through continuing education.
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Monitor best practices for privacy and security and work closely with Security Director to implement and update privacy and security policies, practices and procedures.
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Juris Doctor degree
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Five to ten years’ experience working in a relevant area of law. Minimum of two years working as a practicing attorney; in-house, litigation or insurance sector experience a plus.
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Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California required.
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Background in contracts, compliance, privacy or risk management preferred.
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office
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The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations, as required by the ADA, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Job requires both approximately 90% sitting, 10% standing/walking.
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Significant amount of time spent at a PC using keyboard and monitor.
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Some travel may be required.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations, as required by the ADA, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Significant interaction with other attorneys, WCIRB staff, the CDI, members and third parties require a cooperative and collaborative inclination.
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Steady stream of analytical work, meetings, decision-making and research.
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Work requires excellent attention to detail, accuracy, discretion, follow-through, and analysis of collected information.
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Work occasionally requires assisting with the preparation of witnesses to give testimony in depositions, administrative hearings and in response to subpoenas, assisting in the taking of depositions, and representing the WCIRB at administrative and judicial proceedings.
Perks & Benefits
Our employees enjoy a state of the art, energy-efficient, open work environment that nurtures collaboration and creativity. At the WCIRB, we go the extra mile to keep our employees happy and healthy. Our perks include:
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Hybrid work environment (40% onsite 60% remote)
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Medical, dental and vision benefits
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Competitive PTO Program
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401K and pension plan
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Annual incentive plan
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Social activities
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Community volunteer involvement
Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. As such, the job description may be revised depending on the WCIRB’s needs. Further, this job description is a general summary of responsibilities and requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive of the responsibilities and requirements of this position.
Please note that the WCIRB has enacted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all employees. Proof of full vaccination or an approved exemption or deferral is required of all employees, including new hires.