Chief Counsel Healthcare

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

3d•$240,000 - $300,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Counsel Healthcare is an experienced attorney who advises on healthcare regulatory compliance, transactional matters, and general corporate law. Under the direction of the Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, this position supports legal needs across the University’s healthcare and clinical operations, subsidiaries, and affiliates, while also contributing to broader University legal initiatives. The attorney advises on healthcare regulations, clinical services, risk management, mergers and practice acquisitions, business entities, contracts, and compliance. The role requires sound legal judgment, discretion, independent work, and commitment to the University’s mission. The position provides legal services and guidance to healthcare and clinical units, administrators, and department leaders. It handles healthcare and commercial contracts, regulatory and compliance questions, transactional due diligence, entity governance, institutional policies, legal research, training, and risk-management matters. The attorney collaborates with University attorneys and external healthcare counsel, mentors para-professionals and junior staff, and performs other related duties as assigned. There are no supervisory responsibilities. The work is typically performed in a climate-controlled, well-lit office with moderate noise. University office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. An on-campus office in Lynchburg is preferred for at least the first two years; exceptional candidates may be considered for hybrid or remote work. Local and campus travel may be required, potentially using a personal or University vehicle, with the specified driving credentials and insurance required when driving for work.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Strong academic record at undergraduate and law school levels.
Active license in good standing to practice law in Virginia, eligibility to become licensed, or ability to obtain a Virginia Corporate Counsel Certificate.
At least five years of relevant legal experience.
Experience advising on healthcare regulatory compliance, including HIPAA, Stark, Anti-Kickback, EMTALA, licensing, and privacy laws.
Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating healthcare, merger and acquisition, and other commercial contracts.
Experience conducting due diligence reviews of acquisitions and business opportunities.
Familiarity with clinical operations, provider credentialing, billing and coding regulations, and healthcare risk management.
Experience working with clients in regulated industries, preferably at both federal and state levels.
Experience with corporate governance, business entity formation, and maintenance of organizational documents.
Demonstrated walk as a committed Christian.
Successful completion of an acceptable background check.
Self-motivation and a strong work ethic; confidence, maturity, humility, and a sense of humor; and willingness to learn and mentor.
Exceptional written and oral communication, legal research, writing, drafting, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Ability to explain legal advice to non-lawyer clients concisely and in plain English.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build working relationships and collaborate with other attorneys.
Ability to accept corrections with grace and humor; demonstrated leadership qualities and experience.
Discretion and ability to maintain confidences.
Ability to prioritize, stay organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a strong commitment to client service.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and working knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel.
Strong critical-thinking and analytical abilities, including assessing information, evaluating risk, and proposing practical solutions.
Business-minded, solutions-oriented approach.
Willingness and ability to follow instructions accurately.
Ability to meet the stated physical and sensory demands, including frequent sitting, typing, and desk work; regular verbal communication and interaction; occasional standing, walking, stair navigation, and travel; and lifting up to 10 pounds.
If driving is required, valid driver’s license, acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Prior in-house experience within a healthcare organization, university health system, or related environment, or private practice experience in a law firm’s healthcare-support practice group.
Experience representing hospitals, clinics, university health centers, or other healthcare providers.
Knowledge of not-for-profit law and governance.
Undergraduate or graduate degree in health administration, public health, business, or a related field.
Experience with compliance programs, healthcare audits, or regulatory investigations.
Experience with risk management or quality-improvement systems.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and services to healthcare and clinical units, including medical operations, counseling services, wellness programs, and affiliated practices.
Review, draft, negotiate, interpret, and enforce healthcare-related contracts, including provider, clinical services, business associate, affiliation, equipment, and service agreements.
Advise on compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA, HITECH, EMTALA, Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, state licensing laws, privacy, and billing and coding requirements.
Assist with regulatory filings, credentialing matters, and scope-of-practice considerations.
Support risk-management activities, including incident review, mitigation strategies, and policy development.
Conduct due diligence and legal analysis for healthcare partnerships, acquisitions, service expansions, and new clinical initiatives.
Coordinate with University attorneys on matters involving their specialties as they relate to healthcare operations, and coordinate with external healthcare counsel on specialized matters.
Review, draft, negotiate, interpret, and enforce commercial contracts, merger and acquisition agreements, and other transactions.
Advise on contract liability, risk allocation, indemnification, and compliance considerations.
Interpret federal and state statutes, regulations, and rules applicable to healthcare operations.
Draft and review institutional policies.
Support formation, governance, and maintenance of healthcare-related business entities.
Provide legal services and guidance to University administrators and department leadership and healthcare-affiliated entities.
Recommend strategies for resolving business, compliance, risk-management, and operational issues.
Mentor para-professionals and junior staff.
Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda.
Develop training materials and deliver presentations on legal compliance topics.
Stay informed about changes in healthcare laws and regulations and related higher-education trends.
Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency and compliance.
Collaborate with the legal team and support the University’s mission.
Perform other related duties as assigned.