What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counsel, Employment Law position at The Cigna Group?
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Position Overview
The Cigna Group’s Global Employment Law Team is seeking a talented and experienced licensed attorney to provide strategic legal support across a complex and dynamic organization. The Counsel, Employment Law will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, managing employment claims and litigation, advising on employee relations matters, and supporting accommodations and leave programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Counsel HR and management on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and religious accommodation requests, including review of documentation, interactive process guidance, and resolution of accommodation issues.
- Support compliance and administration of state paid time off, paid leave, and paid sick time programs, including policy development, statutory interpretation, and operational implementation.
- Provide legal guidance on matters related to leave of absences, including FMLA, state-mandated leaves, and company leave policies and plans.
- Provide legal guidance on general employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
- In partnership with senior paralegals, investigate legal claims and respond to inquiries from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor (DOL), and comparable state agencies.
- Manage outside counsel on assigned matters by overseeing their work product, ensuring cost-effective representation, and aligning external legal advice with internal legal strategy.
- Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and advise stakeholders on necessary changes to policies and practices.
- Partner with HR, business leaders, and cross-functional teams to develop and deliver training on employment law topics, including anti-discrimination, wage and hour, and leave management.
- Draft, review, and update employment-related policies, procedures, and agreements.
- Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Global Employment Law Team leadership.
- Develop and maintain strong, effective working relationships with both internal clients and external counsel.
- Contribute positively to the Cigna Legal community through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and active professional engagement.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and in good standing.
- Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, primarily focused on employment law.
- Experience providing labor and employment law counseling, preferably supporting a national or multi-state workforce.
- Previous in-house corporate employment law experience is strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including ADA, Title VII, FLSA, and leave statutes.
- Proven experience litigating or managing outside counsel on employment-related claims before government agencies and/or in court or arbitration.
- Demonstrated experience supporting employee relations, accommodations, and leave programs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Hybrid in-office preferred, with flexibility for remote for the right candidate.
This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.
At The Cigna Group, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you’ll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k), company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year and paid holidays. For more details on our employee benefits programs, click here.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.Please note that you must meet our posting guidelines to be eligible for consideration. Policy can be reviewed at this link.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.