Counsel - Product Development

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The Business Law Unit is seeking a talented attorney to join the Employee Benefits Law team as Counsel, with a primary focus on supporting the development and regulatory compliance of core and specialty Employee Benefits products, including dental and vision. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with the Employee Benefits business unit, providing legal guidance throughout the product lifecycle—from ideation and drafting to regulatory filings, implementation, and ongoing compliance.

As a member of this cross-functional, high-performing legal team, you will provide legal support on issues impacting Employee Benefits insurance, with a particular emphasis on dental and vision product development, regulatory compliance, and related business initiatives. The role will also involve supporting underwriting, distribution, sales, and account management, as well as service administration contracting, technology vendor contracting, and claims/regulatory support.

The Employee Benefits Law Team regularly coordinates with Law Department colleagues with specialized expertise (e.g., IP, Privacy, Government Affairs, Enterprise Transactions, Litigation, Corporate, Compliance) to provide robust solutions to legal questions. This position is based in Hartford and reports to the Managing Assistant General Counsel for Paid Leave.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end legal support for the development, approval, sale, and administration of Employee Benefits insurance products, including group life, disability, supplemental health, PFML, and specialty products such as dental and vision.
• Advise on product drafting and development, rate and form filings, and regulatory submissions across all U.S. jurisdictions.
• Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments (state and federal) affecting all product lines to assist the business in developing efficient and compliant practices. Experience with dental and vision products preferred.
• Support underwriting practices, sales and distribution, operations, contract negotiation and drafting, regulatory inquiries and complaints, and claim practices.
• Collaborate with business clients to identify key legal issues and provide thoughtful, creative, and efficient legal advice to support business initiatives.
• Coordinate with Law Department colleagues with specialized expertise to deliver comprehensive legal solutions.
• Advocate for client interests to state regulators and other external parties as needed.

Core Skills

• Develop subject matter expertise and demonstrate sound judgment on business legal issues, especially in dental and vision product development and compliance.
• Spot legal issues in business initiatives and offer thoughtful, creative legal solutions.
• Critically analyze complex legal and regulatory frameworks across 50 states and assist the business in developing efficient and workable practices and processes.
• Leverage legal research tools to provide timely and practical legal advice.
• Draft, edit, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents as needed.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Employee Benefits Business Unit’s core initiatives and organizational structure.
• Demonstrate well-developed communication skills and independent judgment.
• Be innovative, adaptable, and curious.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• 4+ years of legal experience required; candidates with fewer years may be considered depending on the nature of experience.
• Experience with Employee Benefits insurance, product filings, and regulatory matters is preferred.
• Experience with dental and vision insurance product development and regulatory compliance is a plus.

This role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement.  Candidates who live near one of our office locations (Hartford, CT) will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).   Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise. 

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age