Associate Counsel

Our Legal department is looking for an Attorney to provide legal research and interpretation on legal related issues and matters that may involve Investments, Agency, Claims, Policy Service, Underwriting, general corporate matters, and all other areas of the Company as needed.QualificationsBachelor's degreeJuris Doctorate degreeFive years legal work experienceMembership in The Mississippi BarStrong organizational skillsStrong analytical skillsThe ability to function effectively in the workplace as exhibited through one's integrity, courage to act and communication skillsThe ability to work with others effectively as exhibited through one's respect for people and commitment to teamworkThe ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations as exhibited through one's accountability for results, commitment to service and initiativeThe ability to perform the essential functions of the job as exhibited through one's growth in job knowledge and professional developmentResponsibilities May Include:Research legal issues and furnish legal opinions and advice, as assigned; and work with senior attorneys and other officers, managers, and supervisors to draft legal documents, contracts, and correspondence on legal issues affecting SFBLI.Select, supervise, and evaluate outside counsel and approve their tactics and expenses with consultation of more senior attorneys; and work with outside counsel to evaluate and monitor litigation and threatened litigation against SFBLI.Monitor activities of legislative and regulatory authorities and advise company personnel of impending legislation or regulations affecting SFB’s operations; confer with SFBLI’s lobbyist on legislative issues.Answer agent’s questions.Work with Agency and Manpower Development departments to develop and monitor applications for contract and agency force testing practices for compliance with company and legal objectives; draft agent contracts, agent commission schedules, and state and county service agreements for SFB; provide advice and approval concerning agent licensing; and manage litigation resulting from termination of agency personnel.Provide advice on legal concerns from Policy Service, including probate proceedings, power of attorneys, 1035 exchanges, collateral assignments, ownership changes, bankruptcies, and policyholders’ complaints.Research and review questionable claims; provide recommendations on proper handling to Claims Department.Review various underwriting questions involving ownership and beneficiary designations, insurable interest, taxes, split dollar plans, whether underwriting actions should be reevaluated, privacy laws, AIDS-related legislation, etc.Address questions relating to insurer insolvency funds, their assessments, and the laws pertaining to them.Provide legal services on a case-by-case basis to Securities Management Department.Direct the handling of mortgage loan closings and direct the legal aspects of loan servicing problems, including advising Investment Department; negotiate, review and draft loan modification documents, and direct the handling of bankruptcies, foreclosures, and lawsuits filed by a borrower or other party against SFB and/or lawsuits filed by SFBLI against a borrower or other party.Work with Investment Department on legal aspects of real-estate-owned properties; negotiate, review, and draft leases, management agreements, and title insurance documents; handle problems which occur in day-to-day operation of REO properties, and review, revise, and/or draft documentation necessary for SFB to acquire or dispose of any interest in real property, personality, or securities.Work with company’s employee benefit committee, outside counsel, and company management to design, implement, and monitor company’s cafeteria plan, executive compensation plans; and work with outside counsel to evaluate certain tax issues and review and approve certain general contracts for company.