Attorney, Director I (Legislative Counsel MA and Hospital Payment) - (Hybrid)

American Medical Association•Washington, DC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Attorney, Director I provides legal counsel and support on legislative, regulatory, and advocacy matters affecting the American Medical Association (AMA), with emphasis on Medicare Advantage, proper authorization, alternative payment models, and other AMA priorities. Under the supervision of the Director, this role analyzes complex legislation, regulations, and judicial opinions and uses that analysis to guide AMA Advocacy staff, senior management, the Council on Legislation, the Board of Trustees, the AMA House of Delegates, and other constituencies. The position independently leads an assigned portfolio of significant legislative and regulatory issues, serving as a strategic legal advisor and developing recommended policy and advocacy approaches. It prepares AMA testimony and strategic advocacy materials, briefs witnesses, represents the AMA in external and coalition settings, and advises internal and external stakeholders on relevant issues. The role is hybrid and requires working in the Washington, D.C. office three days per week. Some travel is required.

Requirements

J.D. degree and active membership in good standing in at least one state Bar.
At least 10 years of professional experience.
At least 3 years of health law experience.
Expertise in complex U.S. Congressional, legislative, and/or federal regulatory processes.
Demonstrated strategic judgment and ability to independently lead complex, cross-functional advocacy initiatives.
Experience with physician-related issues across health law subjects, such as Medicare physician payment, the Medicare Quality Payment Program, telehealth payment, and Medicare Advantage.
Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce polished and persuasive legislative and regulatory advocacy documents under short deadlines.
Strong project leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize complex work and coordinate cross-functional activity.
Interpersonal skills, including persuasiveness and relationship building.
Political acumen.
Some travel required.

Nice To Haves

Previous legislative, federal agency, or association experience.
Extensive knowledge of the AMA’s and Federation’s organizational structure and policy development processes.

Responsibilities

Provide legal, legislative, and regulatory advice to Advocacy and other AMA business units on complex issues, particularly Medicare Advantage and physician payment.
Identify and analyze emerging federal legislation and regulation, assess implications for AMA priorities, and recommend policy and advocacy approaches.
Identify AMA positions or the need to develop policy, and prepare or coordinate formal AMA responses to proposed regulations.
Represent the AMA to external groups and participate in coalition meetings to advocate the organization’s policy goals.
Prepare advocacy documents, draft comment letters, and develop strategic communications for Congressional, Administrative, and grassroots operations.
Develop responses to oral and written inquiries from Congress, the Administration, other organizations, member physicians, and other stakeholders regarding AMA policy.
Develop arguments and talking points for lobbying and grassroots communications, and contribute to direct issue lobbying when appropriate.
Brief national medical specialty societies, state medical societies, and AMA Sections or their representatives on request.
Prepare AMA written testimony and oral statements for presentation by Board of Trustees members before Congress, federal agencies, and boards.
Prepare and brief AMA witnesses for public forums, including developing responses to anticipated questions.
Lead an assigned issue portfolio by determining analytical frameworks and recommended approaches, coordinating work across Advocacy and other business units, and driving execution as issues evolve.
Serve as a subject matter expert across business units and guide or mentor junior attorneys as needed.
Advise Council members, especially Executive Committee and Workgroup members, on legislative and political aspects of key issues and keep them informed about legislative and regulatory developments.
Assist the Reference Committee B Secretary at the AMA Annual or Interim meeting as assigned.
Develop and deliver presentations to specialty and state societies or other organizations on relevant legislative and regulatory issues.
Prepare and present written and oral issue briefings, develop policy and advocacy approaches for emerging issues not clearly addressed by existing AMA policy, and make recommendations to the Council on Legislation at formal meetings.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.