Senior Counsel

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world. Job Description: Location: We support US flexible working arrangements in the contiguous 48 states, and for this position we are seeking someone who can commute to Wellesley, MA once or twice weekly. At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America. The opportunity: Sun Life’s U.S. Law Department is seeking an experienced attorney with a health care contracting background to join its dental practice group. The attorney in this role will work with both internal business partners and external clients and stakeholders to support Sun Life’s growing U.S. dental business unit. This position requires a solid understanding of health plans and health insurance, state health insurance exchanges, familiarity with Medicaid and Medicare Advantage programs and related compliance issues, strong contract drafting & negotiation skills, and excellent business judgment. In addition to supporting client contracting, this attorney will advise the business on dental and vision provider network matters (including provider contracting, regulatory compliance, network leasing arrangements, credentialing, and dispute management). The role will also periodically support the business unit’s vendor contracting and procurement functions, including contracting and negotiation with technology and SaaS vendors. How you will contribute: Working closely with and taking direction from the managing AVP & Senior Counsel, the essential functions of this role include: Draft, review, revise, and negotiate complex dental and vision services agreements with health plan clients, primarily in Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare Advantage programs Partner with sales teams to capture new business and retain existing clients in competitive procurements; advise on legal, contractual, licensure, and other regulatory aspects of requests for proposals (RFPs) and other competitive solicitations Advise the U.S. Dental business unit on compliance and regulatory matters related to their dental & vision benefits plans and services, including both commercial dental and vision benefits, as well as government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, CHIP, and Affordable Care Act plans offered on state health insurance exchanges Advise the Provider Engagement teams on dental and vision provider agreements, revisions and amendments, network leasing agreements, and associated regulatory and compliance issues Assist and advise the provider credentialing teams with provider credentialing processes, issues, and disputes, including Peer Review and Appeals proceedings Assist and advise the procurement and vendor management teams on vendor sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and risk management; draft, review, revise and negotiate third party vendor agreements, including technology services and SaaS contracts Partner with government relations and compliance colleagues to analyze and implement new or proposed laws or regulations that impact the dental business Consult with and manage outside counsel as necessary to support business activities, in a cost-effective manner Other legal duties as needed or required to support other aspects of the Sun Life U.S. Dental and Vision business What you will bring with you: Highly desirable but not required: Prior experience in dental or vision benefits; and/or state and federal government contracting and procurement, and/or HIPAA Privacy Rule & privacy law issues J.D. from an accredited law school and member in good standing of at least one state bar Five (5) or more years of legal experience as an attorney in a law firm and/or in-house counsel setting, some of which must involve advising clients in the health plan or health insurance space Strong understanding of government health care programs and related compliance issues, including state Medicaid and Medicare Advantage organizations Ability to conduct legal research on complex state & federal regulatory matters and provide practical, digestible advice for business and compliance partners Demonstrated ability to lead complex health care contracting negotiations, including efficient review and redlining of contract documents, amendments, and exhibits; and an ability to work with internal business partners to identify, negotiate, and draft around critical issues and risks A desire to partner with business leaders to understand and help execute on enterprise goals; willingness to explore creative solutions to legal issues that align with the company’s risk appetite A business-oriented and collaborative approach to contract negotiation, with a demonstrated ability to mitigate risk and achieve mutual business goals Must be comfortable with a team-oriented legal department, where colleagues often share ideas, best practices, and pinch-hit for one another when necessary Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple contract negotiations simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to communicate succinctly and regularly with manager regarding key issues, risks, and recommendations Excellent attention to detail, and strong written and oral communication skills Do you see yourself in this role even if you haven’t checked all the boxes above? We welcome all talented candidates and are committed to a culture that represents diversity in all forms. If you think you might thrive in this setting, we would love to hear from you. Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you! Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S. Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits. Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more. At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs. Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email recruitingUS@sunlife.com to request an accommodation. At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs. For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice. Job Category: Legal Posting End Date: 30/01/2024 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Shine together At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you – and your career – can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Make life brighter We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant There’s power in numbers. As part of Sun Life’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world. Shape the future With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter. Join a top employer for a brighter future. Visit Sun Life Careers