Associate General Counsel

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Provides legal support to the Medical Center under the direction of the CEO and General Counsel.  Assists in the development of policies/standard practices relative to hospital legal issues. Assists with planning and coordination of in-services to improve compliance with legal and risk management policies and procedures. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior and Management Code of Conduct.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Works under the direction of General Counsel who gives assignments and reviews work primarily through conferences and reports.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Provides supervision to employees in legal and risk management, and other areas as designated.  Serves in a staff capacity counseling managerial and administrative employees in legal, risk management and safety matters.

1. Conducts legal review and redline of assigned contracts. Provides legal opinion and operational recommendations to requestor.  Monitors for completion and facilitates contract database entry.   
2. Works collaboratively with HMC Leaders to ensure that all opportunities identified through the claim management process are referred for appropriate follow-up and corrective action. 
3. Assists in policy/standard practice development and database management.
4. Assists in planning and coordinating of in-service training programs for employees relative to risk management and legal services opportunities, identified either through observations, referrals, claim or contract review.
5. As appropriate, may represent the Medical Center in negotiations in court actions.
6. Ensures that the Medical Center is adequately represented in defense of general and professional matters. 
7. In consultation with the CEO and General Counsel, engages and coordinates as required with outside legal counsel in matters requiring expertise beyond in house legal counsel. 
8. Prepares and files legal documents and attends court hearings, as appropriate. 
9. Advises, or facilitates the appropriate expert to advise, the Board of Managers on all legal issues involving the Hurley Board of Managers and their responsibilities.
10. Attends Board of Managers meetings to deliver reports and make presentations as requested by the CEO or Board of Managers.
11. Provides and coordinates appropriate legal representation for affiliated organizations of HMC, including the Hurley Foundation, Hurley Health Services and others.
12. Assists HMC Leaders in early resolution of demands, including but not limited to drafting settlement agreements and interacting with the individual making the demand or that individual’s legal counsel. 
13. Maintains an accurate listing of all demands, NOIs, EPL, GL, D&O, and HPL claims, including indemnity payments and legal costs. Provides routine reports and status updates on same to Executive leadership and the Board of Managers. 
14. Assists in coordinates proper combination of casualty, general liability, and professional liability insurance.
15. Provides support to the roles of HIPAA Privacy Officer, Medical Staff Office and Corporate Compliance Officer, as directed by General Counsel.
16. Participates in special projects and prepares reports as assigned by the CEO or General Counsel.
17. Takes 24-hour call on a rotating basis with the other attorneys in the Legal Department. 
18. Works collaboratively with members of the executive team to meet the strategic goals of the organization.
19. Stays abreast on current trends.
20. Performs other related duties as required and as assigned by the CEO or General Counsel.  Utilizes new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctorate degree in law. 
• Experience with risk management and medical malpractice insurance.
• Experience in health care law, including physician contracts and medical malpractice claims.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal/state/local laws, health care regulations, and risk management standards and techniques.
• Proven track record for maintaining systems, processes, policies and procedures.
• Managing a business model which appropriately balances in house and outsourced legal services to ensure appropriate use of resources and cost effectiveness.
• Knowledge of modern principles, methods, and techniques of legal processes.
• Knowledge of court processes.
• Knowledge of legislation, rules, regulations, and standards applicable to healthcare-related legal issues, and, specifically, unionized municipalities, preferred.
• Ability to compile and analyze data, to submit data in report form, and to draw conclusions from same.
• Ability to express ideas logically, cogently, and persuasively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with Board of Managers, physicians, regulatory and governmental agencies, Medical Center personnel, and the general public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and in good standing.
• Active status with the State Bar of Michigan.