Associate General Counsel

The State of Connecticut, CT Paid Leave Authority (the "Authority") has an exciting opportunity for an Associate General Counsel in Hartford, CT.

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance for all employees

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday (First shift)
• Location:
  
  450 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT
• Hybrid schedule (combination of in‑office/telework)

The Associate General Counsel reports directly to the General Counsel and serves as an essential business partner and member of the Paid Leave Authority’s team, providing legal advice and guidance in relation to all aspects of the Authority’s functions, including compliance, quality assurance, audit, vendor agreements, fraud prevention and mitigation, and appeals.

The CT Paid Leave Authority is a quasi‑governmental agency established by statute in 2019. Its mission is to help Connecticut’s workforce navigate health challenges and life changes with greater financial security. Through a trust funded by workers, the Authority makes benefit payments to eligible workers when they take leave from work to care for themselves or a family member.

• In cooperation with the CEO and General Counsel, provide policy and regulatory guidance and legal advice to the Authority and its Board of Directors on all matters related to the Authority’s mission, purpose, and business activities.
• Participate in the drafting, review, and implementation of Authority policies and procedures, including claims administration, private plan applications, quality assurance, recoupment of over payments, and fraud prevention.
• Assist with the development of audit and compliance policies and procedures and effective tests and controls to ensure processes are implemented.
• Review employers’ applications to offer private leave plans and audit employers’ compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Negotiate, draft, and review contract solicitation documents, vendor contracts, and contractor agreements.
• Analyze claim files and respond to claim appeals submitted to the CT Department of Labor.
• Conduct training sessions and webinars on the CT Paid Leave Act, Authority functions, and leave laws.
• Advise Authority staff on compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and records retention obligations.
• Monitor Authority activities to ensure conformity with policy, procedures, regulations, legislation, and state and federal laws.
• Maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders within and outside the Authority.
• Potentially supervise other members of the Legal team.
• Perform any related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of family and medical leave laws.
• Firm understanding of employer‑provided insurance products and claims administration.
• State and federal employment rights laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act.
• Knowledge of government agency operations, the Freedom of Information Act, the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, administrative procedures and hearings, and State Ethics rules.

• Three (3) years of practice of law.
• Three (3) years of transaction and compliance experience in disability insurance, leave management, or related areas.

• Experience with contract drafting, negotiation, interpretation, and termination of claims administration agreements, vendor agreements, and other contractual arrangements.
• Experience working cooperatively with teams to deliver results and maintain a collegial work environment.
• Experience communicating with internal and external agency stakeholders.
• Project and time‑management skills, including organization and attention to detail.

• Must hold an active license to practice law in the State of Connecticut and be in good standing.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.