Assistant General Counsel

The Assistant General Counsel provides legal support across a broad range of healthcare, corporate, and operational matters for Memorial Health. This role is designed for a developing healthcare attorney who is eager to learn and grow in an in-house healthcare legal department.  Under the supervision of senior legal leadership, the Assistant General Counsel supports executives and operational leaders by delivering timely, practical advice while mitigating risk and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws.  The Assistant General Counsel works collaboratively with other members of the legal team and serves as a trusted business partner to stakeholders throughout the enterprise.   

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Licensed and admitted to practice as an Attorney and Counselor at Law within the State of Illinois (or eligible to take Illinois bar exam or for reciprocity).
• Health Law Certificate or coursework emphasis in health law preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law; experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex legal matters.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Professionalism, humility, emotional intelligence, approachability, and the ability to maintain perspective while in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a positive, collegial demeanor when working through challenging situations.
• Sound judgment and respect for confidentiality.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to contributing positively to both the legal team and the enterprise culture.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to analyze complex legal concepts and communicate clearly and pragmatically to non-lawyers.
• Possess or acquire working knowledge of healthcare regulatory frameworks, operational issues, and state and federal law impacting healthcare providers.  Examples of subject matter expertise to possess or acquire may include accreditation and licensure, clinical research, civil monetary penalties, contracts, corporate transactions, employment, EMTALA, false claims, fraud & abuse, governance, guardianship, HIPAA, intellectual property, information services technology, informed consent, litigation, medical staff affairs, Medicare and Medicaid, mental health, patient care, peer review, real estate, risk management, Stark, and tax-exemption.

1. Assist with the management of all legal matters throughout the enterprise.
2. Provide research, analysis, and support on regulatory, operational, and transactional matters.
3. Provide counsel and support on compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
4. Assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
5. Partner with compliance, human resources, information services, internal audit, privacy, risk management, and other enterprise support functions as directed.
6. Assist with policy development, implementation, and education across the organization.
7. Support corporate governance activities.
8. Assist with litigation management and coordination with outside counsel as directed.
9. Participate in cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the legal department.
10. Assist with internal investigations.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
12. Embody the Memorial Health System Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission and vision:

SAFETY: I put safety first. I speak up, without fear, on matters of patient and colleague safety. I take action to create an environment of zero harm.

INTEGRITY: I respect others and show compassion. I behave honestly and ethically. I am accountable for our attitude, actions and health.

QUALITY: I advance my knowledge and skills. I seek continuous improvement. I deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes.

STEWARDSHIP: I use resources wisely and maintain financial stability. I work to coordinate care and services across the health system. I promote healthier communities.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.