Assoc University Counsel

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

13d•$8,502 - $12,168•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate University Counsel provides comprehensive legal counsel, strategic risk management, and operational support across the UNM Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC). The position serves as a key member of the Office of University Counsel's healthcare litigation team, managing and overseeing complex medical negligence and healthcare-related litigation matters. Responsibilities include coordinating litigation strategy with outside counsel appointed by the New Mexico Risk Management Division; reviewing and approving significant pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and litigation-related documents; advising institutional leadership regarding litigation risks, case strategy, settlement considerations, and trial preparation; and serving as a liaison among outside counsel, Risk Management Division representatives, healthcare administrators, physicians, and other stakeholders. The position also manages and/or supports complex discovery and document production and privileging efforts, prepares and advises fact witnesses and individually named defendants for depositions and testimony, and assists with litigation-related hearings, mediations, and trials. The Associate University Counsel will also have a role in supporting general clinical operations through participation in policy or program review, training on legal matters and research projects as assigned.

Requirements

Must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney by and in good standing with the highest court of another state and eligible to practice law pursuant to the limited license provisions set forth in Section 15-301.1 NMRA.
J.D. or L.L.B
At least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Member of NM State Bar, or member in good standing of the State Bar of another state or district of Columbia.
Successful candidate who is not a member of the NM State Bar is required to obtain a temporary Public Employee Limited License issued by the NM Supreme Court.
Must become a member of the NM State Bar no later than one (1) year after date of hire.
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of experience in healthcare litigation, medical malpractice defense, healthcare compliance, or healthcare-related legal practice.
Experience managing complex litigation matters and coordinating with outside counsel, insurers, government agencies, or risk management entities.
Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations affecting hospitals, academic medical centers, and healthcare providers.
Experience advising healthcare executives, physicians, medical staff leadership, and institutional stakeholders regarding litigation risk and legal strategy.
Experience with discovery management, deposition preparation, witness counseling, and trial support.
Experience with patient safety, peer review, credentialing, quality-improvement protections, and related confidentiality and privilege issues.
Experience drafting, reviewing, and interpreting institutional policies and procedures.
Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and presentation skills, including experience providing training or educational presentations to healthcare professionals.
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload involving complex factual, regulatory, and legal issues in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Willingness and ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and respond to urgent legal matters outside normal business hours

Responsibilities

Coordinating litigation strategy with outside counsel appointed by the New Mexico Risk Management Division
Reviewing and approving significant pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and litigation-related documents
Advising institutional leadership regarding litigation risks, case strategy, settlement considerations, and trial preparation
Serving as a liaison among outside counsel, Risk Management Division representatives, healthcare administrators, physicians, and other stakeholders
Managing and/or supporting complex discovery and document production and privileging efforts
Preparing and advising fact witnesses and individually named defendants for depositions and testimony
Assisting with litigation-related hearings, mediations, and trials
Supporting general clinical operations through participation in policy or program review
Training on legal matters and research projects as assigned