Counsel at WCIRB

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.

As part of our in-house legal team, the Counsel works closely with the Managing Counsel and Chief Legal Officer to anticipate, assess and collaborate 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 a resource for staff in all departments and is willing to learn and become knowledgeable regarding the statutes, regulations, and procedures relevant to the WCIRB.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Typical work assignments and responsibilities include a mix of the following:

• 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, analysis of legislation, risk management and governance
• Prepare cases on appeal to the Department of Insurance pertaining to the application of the Insurance Commissioner’s regulations
• Draft proposed revisions to the Insurance Commissioner’s regulations related to experience rating, the classification of risks and the reporting of workers’ compensation insurance data
• Perform internal quality assurance reviews
• Draft standard endorsement forms and policyholder notices; review insurer form filings for compliance with California law; and provide legal advice regarding endorsement form compliance issues
• Manage WCIRB intellectual property, including all copyright and trademark submissions.
• Negotiate and draft WCIRB contracts
• Conduct staff training regarding a variety of legal topics
• Respond to requests for information from employers, agents and brokers, attorneys, governmental agencies and insurers
• Review external facing communications, publications, presentations, web postings and decisions prior to issuance to ensure compliance
• Conduct legal research on a wide range of issues and provide written analysis
• Steady stream of analytical work, meetings, decision-making and research
• Discretion, follow-through and analysis of collected information required

Education and Experience 

• Juris Doctor degree
• Two to five+ years’ attorney experience 
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California required
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Superior communication and a collaborative inclination
• Ability to spot legal and business issues/risks and identify and effectively implement risk mitigation strategies with business partners
• Must reside in the State of California 

 
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:

• Hybrid work environment (40% onsite 60% remote)
• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• Competitive PTO Program
• 401K and pension plan
• Annual incentive plan
• Social activities
• Community volunteer involvement

 
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.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $120,000 - $167,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No