Associate Counsel, Litigation

This full-time, in-person position functions as associate counsel for the Medical University of South Carolina enterprise and reports to the Director of MUHA Legal Affairs, working closely with MUSC Assistant General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Litigation – Assists with the oversight and management of litigation and engages in risk mitigation strategies. Serves as a liaison to external counsel in litigation, providing input on strategy, case management, case evaluation, coordination of discovery production, and reviews pleadings to ensure accuracy. Attends depositions, mediations, trials, and other in-person litigation tasks in coordination with external counsel as needed. Works closely with the SC Insurance Reserve Fund and external counsel in defending lawsuits, provides claims evaluation, clinical risk analysis, and risk reduction. Participates and represents the enterprise in legal and/or administrative proceedings to include Public Safety prosecutions in magistrate court, grievance hearings, procurement hearings, and other miscellaneous legal matters.
• Document Review & Preparation – Directs and coordinates release of records/information in response to subpoenas, court orders, search warrants, FOIA requests, and other inquiries from law enforcement or attorneys to ensure appropriateness of the release of information and accuracy of the response. Helps enterprise employees with responding to external legal demands, including preparing them for depositions or court appearances and responding to subpoenas and/or other legal demands. Reviews or drafts contracts using an electronic contracts management system and provides advice as appropriate. Works collaboratively with respective departments on purchase or service contracts, provides feedback, sound legal advice, and manages contract dispute resolutions.
• Legal Advice & Counsel – Provides legal advice on a variety of issues. Identifies potential legal risks and develops proactive measures to effectively mitigate risk. Performs other duties as assigned to address needs involving a wide range of legal and regulatory issues.
• Research and Training – Performs legal and factual research on a variety of topics. Stays abreast of legislation, trends, and issues pertaining to assigned areas; reviews court decisions, proposed legislation, and new programs/policies. Provides training opportunities on various legal issues to departments, programs, and business units.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the State of South Carolina with at least 2 years of litigation experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, rules of procedure, and codes pertaining to healthcare laws, rules, and regulations.
• Proficient in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing legal documents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to be persuasive with others, positively influencing and supporting the mission of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• High degree of client service, professional ethics, and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience practicing law with a focus on litigation.
• Experience in a higher education, healthcare, or government setting.
• 5 years of in-house counsel experience in healthcare.

Scheduled weekly hours: 40