Job Description

Job Description:

The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry. We promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding and its vital protections through advocacy, outreach, promotion, and education. We strive to create a team environment where team members are respected and thrive, supporting ongoing professional development and growth.

SFAA is currently looking for a dynamic and effective candidate to fill the role of Assistant General Counsel to join our team. This position reports directly to the General Counsel. 

This position partners with the General Counsel to provide underwriting and substantive legal support to members and staff on issues affecting the surety industry. This candidate assists in guiding the work of various SFAA advisory committees, working closely with the General Counsel on contract bonds, commercial surety, surety claims, technology, and corporate counsel, as well as collaborating with the CEO on international surety. Coordinating with the Government Affairs team on policy development and legislative advocacy at the state and national levels is a key part of this role.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and manage one or more of the following committees, which include helping to establish industry goals and priorities to guide SFAA’s work - Contract Bonds Advisory Committee, Commercial Surety Advisory Committee (including the Customs Subcommittee), Surety Claims Advisory Committee, International Advisory Committee, Technology Advisory Committee, and Corporate Counsel Advisory Committee; responsibilities include drafting Board of Directors' reports for said committees. 
• In coordination with the General Counsel and the Communications team, develop thought leadership materials that promote the use and value of surety bonds.
• Work with members to review onerous bond forms and construction contracts, and negotiate changes with obligees or the appropriate government agencies to protect industry-accepted standard terms and prevent negative trends that increase risks to the surety industry.
• Conduct legal research arising from member or staff inquiries to support state and federal advocacy, and to educate members on jurisdictional issues on various surety bonds.
• Review and analyze proposed regulations and legislation affecting surety bonds and draft comment letters to government agencies and legislators, in coordination with the Government Relations team.
• In coordination with SFAA's Government Affairs staff, review and analyze case law affecting suretyship, and assist in legislation and regulation that will advance and benefit the surety industry.
• Work with the Paralegal to review court cases involving surety bonds and draft summaries for dissemination to members and subscribers.
• Database maintenance for the SFAA's Obligee Guide, Adjuster Licensing Requirements, and surveys of state laws on certain commercial surety and/or contract surety bond issues.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• 5-7 years of legal experience with a law firm and/or with a company, non-profit, or trade association
• At least 4 years of (a) contract and/or commercial surety legal and/or claims handling and/or (b) construction litigation preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and collaboration skills, and the ability to work in teams
• Proactive with an ownership mindset 
• Strong project management skills are essential 
• Strong Legal research skills and experience with LexisNexis and/or Westlaw.
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
• Demonstrated ability to deliver precise and timely work
• Effective multitasking and the ability to work under pressure
• Sound judgment, confidentiality, and discretion

Position Type

This is a full-time, exempt position, with full-time remote work possible for the right candidate.

The SFAA offers competitive salaries, including excellent benefits, retirement, and profit sharing.

Candidates can submit a resume and cover letter to: HR@SURETY.ORG.

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