Kevin H. Stelzer Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Illinois, United States

Corporate Law Division Leads/manages a high-performing legal team of attorneys responsible for issues pertaining to the Property & Casualty Insurance Operations Division, HR/Employment, Regulatory Affairs, and Agency Distribution & Business Strategy Division across the enterprise. Identifies and addresses critical issues for the company, anticipates and plans for future risks, and proactively identifies ways to advance business objectives through legal and governmental affairs initiatives.Implements strategic and tactical objectives as they relate to the company’s policy positions with regulatory agencies. Works with relevant trade associations to influence proposed regulations in states. Creates an environment that embraces teamwork, innovation, open collaboration and strong ethics. Assists business divisions with specific regulatory issues including rate and form filings. Intermediary working with departments of insurance to facilitate resolution of issues raised and to mitigate potential risks. Develops and aligns understanding of business divisions priorities, opportunities and challenges. Provides counsel and guidance for state and federal regulatory matters related to state insurance departments, market conduct exams and data calls. Partners with General Counsel to prepare quarterly Board-level materials including the market conduct regulatory exam report and the Audit Book which are reviewed by the Audit Committee. Supports key strategic initiatives. Maintains a deep understanding of emerging market trends, legislation, and legal analysis.Notable Accomplishments:-Strategic advisor to C-suite executives.-Speaker at Quarterly Business Review.-Distinctive Service Advisory Council.-Leadership Capability Model Ambassador.-Strategic business partner implementing solutions for sales growth and legal matters.-Enacts cost saving measures by improving productivity, thoroughness, promptness, and efficiency in resolving business and legal issues.

Illinois, United States

Corporate Law Division Led/managed legal team responsible for issues pertaining to the Human Resources Division, Agency Distribution & Business Strategy Division, Claims Division, and P&C DivisionHuman Resources Division-Managed division legal matters pertaining to performance improvement plans, written warnings, terminations for cause, sexual harassment claims, disability accommodations, employee investigations, hiring practices, discrimination claims related to Title VII and EEOC Claims. Managed/directed outside counsel for all litigation for HR related matters. Agency Distribution & Business Strategy Division-Managed division legal matters pertaining to agent licensing, appointments and registration. Oversaw communications for agent terminations, agency agreements,enforcement of non-solicitation and non-compete clauses. Reviewed/approved department of insurance reporting obligations and FINRA language applicable to Form U5. Managed/directed outside counsel for all litigation for agent related matters. Claims-Managed litigation and outside counsel pursuant to the nationwide defense of extra-contractual matters and E&O reporting obligations. Specifically, lawsuits seeking damages arising from excess verdicts, lawsuits alleging violations of the Unfair Claims Practices Act, lawsuits seeking punitive damages, and lawsuits alleging fraud or deception. Managed panel counsel and defense cost containment for lawsuits. P&C- Provided counsel on P&C insurance business including policy language, underwriting, and operational issues. Provided counsel and guidance for market conduct exams and data calls.Notable Accomplishments:-Modified records retention processes towards implementation leading all meetings across the enterprise. -Team identified central legal issues/processes pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic. -Enhanced processes for complex fraud investigations for both P&C and Life & Retirement. -Presented legal trends to C-suite executives.

Illinois, United States

Department of Law & RegulationManaged large and complex litigation matters involving coverage issues, allegations of bad faith, excess verdicts, appeals, agency errors and omissions, Special Investigation Unit Affirmative Actions, and other lawsuits filed against the company for cases throughout twelve states at both the state and federal levels. Managed cases through pleadings, motion practice, discovery, alternative dispute resolution, trial and post-trial stages. Led and directed, as an active and collaborative partner, the work of outside counsel including critically reviewing and revising, as necessary, litigation plans, coverage opinions, budgets, invoices, pleadings, discovery, motions and briefings. Participated directly in all strategic decisions. Facilitated training to the claims organization including leadership and claims adjusters regarding proper investigation techniques in addition to ways to properly document claim files to minimize bad faith claim handling lawsuits. Identified issues and evaluated legal risks to offer legal counsel to business units. Modified claim policies and procedures as necessary.Managed litigation strategy for Special Investigation Unit Affirmative Action matters brought to recover monies paid to unlawfully operated professional medical entities. Supervised law department externs and interns as a manager and mentor.Notable Accomplishments: -Successfully managed and handled over 300 cases throughout twelve states. -Played a key role in analyzing and reducing risk of large and complex claim cases in the organization. -Participant at a seminar hosted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau examining fraud trends. -Expertly secured savings for the company managing claims handling strategy and settlement resolution by improving productivity, thoroughness, promptness, and efficiency in resolving legal issues. -Co-presenter for continuing legal education seminar, Claim Litigation You Be The Judge.

Illinois, United States

Department of Law & RegulationConducted and managed highly complex evidence-based investigations involving policy breaches, legal infractions, claims, company employees, and independent contractors (Allstate Agents) relative to rebating, kickbacks, fraud, sexual harassment, discrimination, embezzlement, forgery, conflicts of interest, falsification of company documents and other integrity-related violations of company policy and violations of state or federal regulations. Completed comprehensive and cohesive reports regarding the investigation results. Drove efforts in fostering a superior team environment by leading, managing, coaching, supporting and mentoring a team of corporate investigators and analysts. Ensured development of talent on team and alignment with the corporate business objectives. Provided counsel and recommendations to Senior Leadership of Human Resources, Claims, Legal, Sales Departments, and other business partners, by identifying control gaps and providing mitigation options to enhance policies and processes.Coordinated with the Department of Insurance in multiple states nationwide to address regulatory and legal issues. Led the provision of recommendations to business unit officers for both preventive and corrective action.Participated in strategic enterprise initiatives to improve customer base and improve profitability. Notable Accomplishments:-Optimized departmental production through the successful handling of more than 300 investigations.-Succeeded in obtaining efficiency and thoroughness in overseeing cases and legal investigations resulting in significant cost saving measures. -Implemented thorough trend analyses based on investigations the division managed.-Received recognition for continuously delivering excellent service to business partners and effectively partnered with senior leadership across multiple business areas to address ethical conduct and compliance matters.

Illinois, United States

Department of Law & RegulationConducted evidence-based investigations involving policy breaches, legal infractions, claims, company employees, and independent contractors (Allstate Agents) relative to rebating, kickbacks, fraud, sexual harassment, discrimination, embezzlement, forgery, conflicts of interest, falsification of company documents and other integrity-related violations of company policy and violations of state or federal regulations. Completed comprehensive and cohesive reports regarding the investigation results.Developed and implemented investigative plans including the scope of investigation, acquisition of relevant documents and evidence, interviews of all relevant witnesses, and subject matter experts.Conducted research on criminal statutes and insurance laws and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to attain criminal prosecution and restitution when applicable. Served as company witness in civil and criminal matters when applicable. Succeeded in obtaining efficiency in conducting investigations. Managed and responded to regulatory and administrative inquiries from government agencies including state insurance regulators across the country, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. Efficiently learned processes and procedures across multiple departments pertaining to Allstate’s business operations with a focus on areas of ethics and compliance. Led the provision of recommendations to business unit officers for both preventive and corrective action by modifying and updating corporate policies.Participated in strategic enterprise initiatives to improve customer base and improve profitability. Notable Accomplishments:-Received recognition for continuously delivering excellent service to business partners.-Partnered with leadership to implement cost saving measures through technology enhancements.

Illinois, United States

Marketed products with a focus on auto, home, and business insurance by cold calling and visiting local neighborhoods and businesses to build a pool of prospective clients and schedule appointments for agents. Analyzed territorial/market potential and helped track sales and status reports to establish goals for agents.Maintained clients bookkeeping systems and policy records to identify potential cross-sell opportunities.Obtained Illinois insurance producer license in order to answer clients' questions regarding quotes, coverages, policy changes, and billing. Counseled and educated clients during in-person visits and telephone encounters.

Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law

Activities and Societies: 711 Licensed Law Student, Southern Illinois University Elder Clinic, Phi Alpha Delta-Law Fraternity International

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Double Major: Finance And Insurance

Activities and Societies: National Society of Collegiate ScholarsHonors Program Scholar Dean's List College of Business Katie School.