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 4+ 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.
- Hybrid in-office preferred, with flexibility for remote for the right candidate.
If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.
For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 132,700 - 221,100 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.
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, paid holidays, and leaves of absence. For more details on our employee benefits programs, click here.
