AVP, Bond Counsel (Surety Commercial & Contract Bonds)

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

CNA is hiring an Assistant Vice President, Bond Counsel – a key officer-level role responsible for leading and managing legal matters related to commercial and contract surety bonds. This position plays a critical role in aligning legal strategy with CNA’s broader business objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity to partner with our Surety Underwriting team! The AVP, Bond Counsel will provide expert legal and regulatory services to surety underwriters and senior management on indemnity agreements and complex bond contracts. Responsibilities including negotiating with agents and bond customers to draft contracts, surety bond forms, indemnity agreements and similar contractual arrangements. Please note that this is not a trial attorney.

We are open to candidates nationally who bring expertise in Surety (Claims or Underwriting Contract focused). This role offers flexibility and may be performed remotely or on a hybrid schedule from one of our office hubs.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Implements strategic objectives with substantial impact on the short-term success for legal support for assigned specialty area.

• Responds to inquiries regarding business practices and evaluates possible resulting legal implications related to area of expertise.

• Provides legal support in area of expertise to assist assigned business lines or functions in business decisions and strategies.

• Leads, directs and has full management accountability for staff in area of responsibility with an emphasis on talent management and succession planning in accordance with corporate strategic direction.

• Researches laws and regulations that impact the underwriting of surety products. Monitors legal and regulatory developments impacting the surety and construction business.

• Reviews and drafts surety bond forms and amendments

• Prepares and provides legal advice concerning indemnity, subordination, capital retention, release and similar agreements with its bond customers.

• Reviews and provides advice on terms and conditions of contracts considered for bonding.

• Provides in-house seminars for surety underwriters on legal topics impacting the surety business.

• Provides advice and assists in drafting of underwriting manuals and forms.

Reporting Relationship
Typically VP and above

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• In-depth technical knowledge of theories, principles, practices and procedures of litigation management within a surety insurance organization.

• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of external and/or internal business partners within scope of responsibility, team and/or matrix environment.

• Leadership and management skills demonstrating integrity and professionalism.

• Ability to drive results by identifying, and resolving problems within scope of responsibility.

• Knowledge of the surety industry, its products and services.

• Strong negotiation, consultative and facilitation skills with the ability to effectively interact with all internal and external business partners including surety customers and agents.

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and senior level skill in managing ambiguous situations and issues.

• Proven ability to take a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives in order to achieve strategic business results.

• Ability to demonstrate the value-added services offered to surety customers.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

 
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with JD and admission to the bar of at least one state.

• Typically a minimum 10 years surety claims and/or legal experience with a proven track record of results.

• Applicable certifications preferred.

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In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $152,000 to $242,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.  For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com