Associate General Counsel - Healthcare Litigati...

Description:

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Description:
Emory's Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”) seeks an experienced and highly motivated Associate General Counsel to support Emory Healthcare's defense of medical malpractice and general liability claims and related litigation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Healthcare Litigation Counsel (CHLC), the Associate General Counsel will join an outstanding group of teammates and will play a key role in managing the medical and general liability caseload at one of the nation's leading academic health systems and the largest healthcare provider in the state of Georgia. Additionally, this individual will partner with clinical and administrative leaders and ensure that litigation matters are handled efficiently, strategically, and in alignment with Emory's mission and values.

The Associate General Counsel will assist in all phases of professional and general liability litigation including claim evaluation, discovery, motion practice, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation. This individual will work closely with outside counsel, Emory Healthcare leadership, Risk Management, and Emory Healthcare's insurance partners. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, mission-driven in-house litigation team within one of the nation's top academic health systems.

Key Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the CHLC, the Associate Counsel will

• Litigation Management & Case Handling:
• Assist in managing and resolving medical malpractice and general liability claims and lawsuits involving Emory Healthcare.
• Handle assigned litigation matters directly, including factual investigation, legal research, drafting pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
• Participate in depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings as needed.
• Develop case assessments, liability analyses, and damages evaluations to inform litigation strategy.
• Assist in identifying, recommending, and implementing strategies to reduce risk exposure.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date information on all claims and litigation matters within Emory Healthcare's claims management system.
• Working With Outside Counsel:
• Serve as a key liaison between the Office of the General Counsel and outside counsel.
• Support the CHLC in supervising, evaluating, and managing outside counsel performance and litigation budgets.
• Review drafts of pleadings, motions, reports, and settlement recommendations prepared by outside counsel.
• Client Counseling & Internal Collaboration:
• Provide timely, practical legal advice to clinicians, administrators, and leadership regarding liability exposures, litigation developments, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with the Office of Quality, Risk Management, Insurance, various committees, and clinical and operational leadership to facilitate responsive, informed litigation management.
• Assist with preparation of litigation reports and updates for Emory Healthcare leadership, including senior executives and board committees.
• Insurance & Claims Activities:
• Support insurance-related functions, including reviewing coverage issues, assisting with communications with insurance carriers, and participating in claims reviews.
• Education & Compliance:
• Conduct or participate in educational sessions for physicians, residents, nurses, and staff on risk management, documentation, and litigation avoidance.
• Stay informed of developments in relevant healthcare laws, medical malpractice trends, and legislative changes affecting litigation.
• Professional Engagement:
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal stakeholders, opposing counsel, insurers, and court personnel.
• Represent Emory Healthcare in professional associations or relevant bar groups as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school. Four years of related experience. Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia or the ability to become a member within one year.
• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• License in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8 years of litigation experience, preferably with significant exposure to medical malpractice, healthcare litigation, or professional liability claims.
• Experience conducting and managing discovery, depositions, motion practice, and negotiation in complex litigation matters.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Admission to the Georgia Bar or eligibility to obtain Georgia licensure promptly upon hire.
• Experience representing hospitals, healthcare providers, or health systems.
• Familiarity with insurance coverage issues and defense-side litigation budgeting.
• Prior in-house, government, or firm experience involving medical malpractice defense.
• Trial experience (first- or second-chair) or substantial evidentiary hearing experience.

Key Competencies & Attributes:

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in high stakes matters and convey complex information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire trust and collaborate effectively with teammates, clinicians, and executives.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a commitment to service and professionalism.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to Emory's mission and values.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a coordinated litigation team.
• Work well on a team and bring a spirit of engagement, enthusiasm, and innovation.

Work Location & Travel:

• This position is based in Atlanta, Georgia; candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia.
• In-office attendance required at least two days per week, subject to change at the discretion of the organization.
• Travel may be required for depositions, hearings, mediations, and meetings

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