Description

Job Summary

The Deputy General Counsel is the senior legal leader within the health system and an operational and strategic partner to SVP & General Counsel.  The Deputy General Counsel functions as a practicing attorney, providing advice and counsel on a wide range of legal matters, reviewing and negotiating agreements and other documents, negotiating with third parties, interacting with outside and opposing counsel and regulatory and other agencies, and serving on workgroups and committees of the health system and its affiliates. Partners closely with executive leadership and operational teams to enable strategic growth and day-to-day operations while ensuring compliance with healthcare and nonprofit legal requirements by providing collaborative, practical, and solution-oriented legal counsel. Manages the day-to-day operations and proper functioning of the Legal Department, including providing direct supervision for the Legal Department staff and developing and overseeing the Legal Department budget, and acts with the authority of a general counsel in the SVP & General Counsel's absence (or as otherwise delegated). 

Job Specific Duties

• Serve as a trusted and strategic legal advisor to clinical and business leaders, aligning legal strategy and providing practical, business-focused solutions to support high-quality patient care, operational realities, and the organization's objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Provides legal counsel, representation and oversight on the wide range of legal matters affecting the health system and its affiliates, including handling complex legal matters and projects, and managing outside counsel, translating complex legal requirements into actionable business strategies. 
• Maintain knowledge of, and provide legal advice and counsel related to, the full range of federal and Florida healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA, fraud and abuse laws, hospital and physician issues (e.g., medical staff, peer review), physician compensation and referral requirements, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement issues, regulatory compliance, patient issues, physician compensation and referral requirements, hospital licensing and accreditation, and nonprofit corporate governance and tax issues. 
• Leads legal support for key organizational initiatives and complex transactions, including strategic affiliations and service line development. 
• Oversee all litigation matters involving the health system and its affiliates and employees (whether as a party or third-party), including professional liability, general liability, and employment, managed care and general commercial litigation matters.  This includes, but is not limited to, management of outside counsel, development of strategies aligned with organizational values and risk tolerance, and service as company representative at mediations, hearings, trials and other legal proceedings or regulatory as needed. 
• Support and advise the SVP and General Counsel on board and corporate governance matters, legal risk, and regulatory obligations across the system.  Participate in the development and revision of policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on general legal matters. 
• Participate in monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and provide education to management, physicians and other staff, and to boards (upon request). 
• Drafts, reviews and/or revises resolutions, contracts, minutes, subpoena responses and other legal documents and instruments.
• In collaboration with the SVP & General Counsel, determines staffing and resources required for the efficient functioning of the Legal Department, and develops and monitors the department's budget and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation. 
• Serve as the senior leader within the Legal Department, helping to set priorities, allocate work, and implement efficient legal processes and best practices. Provide mentorship and professional development for in-house legal team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, outstanding customer service, accountability, and excellence.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required. 

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Juris Doctorate - Law Degree from an accredited US Law School
• Attorney active Florida Bar License and Health Law Certification
• 12+ years of experience practicing health law lawyer in a law firm, in-house legal department, or academic medical center setting
• Experience engaging with regulatory agencies (e.g., CMS, OIG, Agency for Health Care Administration)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: non-profit legal matters (e.g., tax-exemption, community benefit obligations, charitable activities, conflicts of interest), litigation, contract law, and/or employment law. Proactive, driven, adaptable person who can, with poise and patience, prioritize and balance multiple projects and be responsive to multiple requests with strong sense of urgency, handle ambiguity, be resourceful and recalibrate advice in view of shifting priorities, legal developments, and risk tolerance are preferred.
• Proactive, driven, adaptable person who can, with poise and patience, prioritize and balance multiple projects and be responsive to multiple requests with strong sense of urgency, handle ambiguity, be resourceful and recalibrate advice in view of shifting priorities, legal developments, and risk tolerance.
• Effective oral and written communication and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and strategic skills; ability to identify and resolve complex and sensitive issues and to translate them in understandable terms; exercise exceptional judgment with a practical, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively alongside the Legal Department members and other teams across the Health System, and with external stakeholders (as applicable), and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive and other leaders.
• Ability to direct and train other attorneys and legal team staff.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Highly dependable, professional and demonstrates integrity, good judgment and respect for confidentiality and privilege.
  

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