Associate Counsel

We're a Little Different

Our mission is clear. We bring to life a healing ministry through our compassionate care and exceptional service.

At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of unique individuals - careers that not only make the most of your skills and talents, but also your heart. Join us and discover why Modern Healthcare Magazine named us in its "Top 100 Places to Work."

Overview:

The Associate Counsel, Risk & Claims is responsible for management and leadership of a team dedicated to managing risk and the defense of professional liability (malpractice) claims and litigation. This role is integrated with the Claims and Litigation Team in the Legal Department and works closely with others. It leads Risk & Claim operations and is responsible for overseeing the defense of professional liability claims and litigation, including a team of risk and claims managers, and helps to ensure the integrity of claim processes, development and implementation of best practices, adherence to claim reporting requirements, and the tracking of claim and litigation trends. The role is responsible for contributing to effective communication of claims trends, budget compliance, upcoming trials, lessons learned, early resolution and disclosure programs, and other risk related issues, projects, and programs.

Job Description:

• Oversees and works on a large volume of professional liability claims and other civil litigation.
• Supervises and manages Mercy claims and risk staff, works with in-house and outside counsel, to drive projects and outcomes to completion.
• Assists with claim and risk management strategies, goals, initiatives, and metrics. Communicates trends and makes comparisons to industry information.
• Coordinates management of claims and litigation with the VP/Chief Litigation Officer and other members of the Legal Department and health system.
• Participates as a member of the broader Legal Department and assists other attorneys and paralegals with department activities.
• Participates in the coordination of insurance coverage and coverage analyses, production of coverage verifications and claim histories.
• Maintains claims and litigation best practices for professional liability claims and defense, including, but not limited to, documentation, reservation, and claims evaluation.
• In close collaboration with other team members and internal departments, crafts and implements early resolution initiatives, develops and shares claims information and trends, and participates in the leadership of improvements in patient safety.
• Shares trends and claim information with other internal departments including board reports, upcoming trial dates, metrics, lessons learned, and significant risk issues.
• Supports legal privileges in claims and litigation including but not limited to patient safety work product, attorney-client privilege, and insurer-insured privilege.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Juris Doctorate required.

Experience: Minimum five years of experience as a practicing attorney that includes experience in a law firm defending Medical Malpractice/Professional Liability cases. Experience in healthcare risk management, insurance claims or other litigation, or similar roles makes this candidate highly qualified, particularly if it includes a clinical background.

Licensure: Membership in an applicable state Bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: CPCU, CPRHM

Experience:Claims and litigation management, healthcare risk management, liability insurance management, clinical experience, leadership in a healthcare setting.

Required Skills & Knowledge:

• Practicing attorney with trial and case management experience
• Strong analytical skills
• Knowledge of medical malpractice defense, clinical risk management, and liability insurance policy provisions and coverage

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders.
• In-depth legal knowledge and skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

• Ability to develop a united team and work within a virtual environment
• High attention to detail
• Ability to travel

We Offer Great Benefits:

Day-one comprehensive health, vision and dental coverage, PTO, tuition reimbursement and employer-matched retirement funds are just a few of the great benefits offered to eligible co-workers, including those working 32 hours or more per pay period!

We're bringing to life a healing ministry through compassionate care.

At Mercy, our supportive community will be behind you every step of your day, especially the tough ones. You will have opportunities to pioneer new models of care and transform the health care experience through advanced technology and innovative procedures. We're expanding to help our communities grow. Join us and be a part of it all.

What Makes You a Good Match for Mercy?

Compassion and professionalism go hand-in-hand with us. Having a positive outlook and a strong sense of advocacy is in perfect step with our mission and vision. We're also collaborative and unafraid to do a little extra to deliver excellent care - that's just part of our commitment. If that sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply.

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