What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at Oliver James Associates?
We are working with an expanding homeowners insurance company focused on providing innovative, customer-centric solutions to policyholders in Florida, Texas, and beyond. With an entrepreneurial culture and ambitious growth trajectory, we are committed to redefining the insurance experience through technology, responsiveness, and reliable coverage. As they scale, they are seeking an accomplished GC to lead our legal/ governance functions and serve as a trusted strategic business partner.
General Counsel
The General Counsel will be responsible for building and overseeing the company's legal and corporate governance frameworks. Acting as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors, the successful candidate will bring deep legal expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate a complex regulatory landscape. This role requires a true legal generalist who can confidently manage a wide variety of matters, from corporate governance and regulatory compliance to commercial contracts, litigation oversight, and employment issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Advise the CEO, executive team, and Board on all legal and governance matters, balancing risk with commercial opportunity.
- Corporate Governance: Establish and maintain governance practices, advise on board operations, prepare board materials, and ensure compliance with statutory, fiduciary, and regulatory obligations.
- Regulatory & Compliance: Monitor and advise on insurance regulatory developments, licensing requirements, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Liaise with state insurance departments and regulators as needed.
- Contracts & Commercial Law: Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of contracts, including vendor, technology, reinsurance, distribution, and strategic partnership agreements.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify potential risks, design mitigation strategies, and implement processes to protect the business as it scales.
- Employment & HR Support: Advise on employment law matters, including policies, employee relations, and executive employment agreements.
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Manage pre-litigation disputes and oversee external counsel in litigation matters, ensuring cost-effective and aligned representation.
- Corporate Transactions: Provide legal guidance on capital raises, partnerships, joint ventures, and M&A activity as the company grows.
- Team Building: Establish and develop the in-house legal function, hiring and mentoring legal and compliance professionals as appropriate.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing (Florida or Texas preferred, but not required).
- 10-15 years of progressive legal experience, with a mix of top law firm and in-house counsel roles.
- Strong background in corporate governance and experience advising boards of directors.
- Experience within the insurance industry (homeowners or P&C strongly preferred), including familiarity with state regulatory environments.
- Demonstrated success acting as a generalist across corporate, regulatory, commercial, and employment law.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Experience building or scaling a legal team is a plus.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to shape the legal and governance function of a high-growth insurance company.
- Direct influence on strategic decisions and close collaboration with the CEO, senior executives, and Board.
- Competitive compensation package, including salary, bonus, and benefits.
- A growth-focused, collaborative, and entrepreneurial workplace culture.
- The chance to make a lasting impact in a company redefining the homeowners insurance space.
If this client or position is of interest, please reach out and apply via the link. All conversations are confidential.