Associate General Counsel, Litigation

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Counsel will manage a wide range of disputes across the organization, including general litigation, personal injury litigation, medical malpractice litigation, managed care litigation, commercial disputes and other high-exposure claims. This role will develop case strategy, oversee outside counsel, and work closely with internal stakeholders to assess risk and drive efficient, business-aligned resolution. Candidates must have substantial litigation experience, including at a litigation-focused law firm.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Juris Doctorate (JD) law degree from an accredited law school required

Licenses/Certifications:  Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and admitted to the State Bar of Texas, or licensed in another U.S. state with the ability to apply for admission to the State Bar of Texas

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum ten (10) years experience in a corporate law department or equivalent in-house legal role, or law firm experience, preferably with some healthcare experience

• Ability to work collaboratively to achieve established goals and exercise independent judgment with minimal supervision or oversight

• Computer proficiency

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Incumbent must interact daily with system and hospital senior executives, middle management, retained outside counsel, Medical Staff leaders, and community members

Principal Accountabilities

• Serves as in-house counsel to the organization’s leaders and the organization’s diverse business entities.

• Serves as the organization’s subject matter expert and key resource for researching, analyzing and providing counsel and guidance to assure the organization’s compliance with all laws and regulatory requirements in a complex and diverse healthcare environment.

• Partners with operations leaders in support of strategic objectives in regard to legal matters encompassing a complex array of business entities including but not limited to hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician organizations, health plan, joint ventures, and community based care entities.

• Responsible for providing advice and guidance for the development the organization’s policies.

• Serves as legal advisor to various committees, task forces or project teams as requested.

• Responsible for proactively identifying and evaluating the impact to the organization of changes in the law and guiding the organization’s actions in support of such legal changes and in furtherance of the organization’s values and business objectives.

• May be required to make court appearances, participate in mediations, manage internal dispute resolution processes and forums, conduct investigations, respond to EEO, ADA, Wage & Hour and similar matters as well as external administrative hearings.

• Exercises independent judgment in identifying legal assignments which require specialized legal services and refers such assignments to the appropriate outside attorney, coordinating and supervising such outsourced services and assuring the successful interface between outside counsel and internal personnel necessary for a successful quality and cost efficient outcome.

• Performs legal research and prepares legal memorandum.

• Designs and delivers training as needed for management.

• Works collaboratively with Legal Services colleagues, Risk Management, Insurance Services, Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Clinical Operations, and other key functional areas to align efforts, improve decision-making, reduce risks and improve quality outcomes.

• Assists the Chief Legal Officer and the VP, Deputy General Counsel in preparation of Board reports and with other duties as assigned.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.