Senior Counsel - Healthcare/Physician Contracting

Highmark Health•Pittsburgh, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Counsel investigates factual situations and provides well-reasoned, creative solutions based on independent legal research and analysis of facts and law. The role provides timely, accurate legal advice and prepares effective documents informed by applicable federal and state laws and the regulatory environment in which Highmark Health and its affiliates operate. This is a senior lawyer position requiring advanced legal skills and a record of delivering or overseeing effective, efficient, business-oriented legal services, project management, and strategic counseling on significant matters for one or more business units. The Senior Counsel is expected to develop deep knowledge of the business while applying sound legal analysis, anticipating business issues, recommending best practices, and working cooperatively with internal and external counsel. The role also includes management responsibilities, including participation in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and staff development, performance management, and oversight of day-to-day departmental operations. The position may carry budgetary responsibility and authority. It manages or supports complex litigation, transactions, and other legal matters, and may direct or supervise outside counsel. The Senior Counsel mentors attorneys and paralegals, educates business partners on legal issues, and maintains productive relationships with internal teams and external parties. This is an office-based position with a physical work site requirement. Travel is listed as 0%–25%.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
At least 10 years of related, progressive law experience, with deeper experience in the relevant specialization.
At least 7 years in related disciplines, such as insurance regulation, health law, general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, antitrust, employee benefits, intellectual property, or litigation.
License to practice law in Pennsylvania or an applicable state (Delaware or West Virginia), or eligibility for admission within one year of hire.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Client-focused approach and strong business acumen.
Self-starter able to work independently and as part of a team under pressure.
Ability to think strategically and act proactively to build trust and confidence with business units.
Strong innovative problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to keep current on legal developments and develop in-depth knowledge of relevant areas of law.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws, professional standards, and organizational requirements.
High personal and professional ethics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in physician contracting and compensation matters.
Experience with fraud and abuse issues.
Experience with healthcare acquisitions.
Experience with clinically integrated networks.

Responsibilities

Provide regular legal support to one or more business units, applying legal analysis and business judgment to internal and external issues and recommending best practices.
Deliver timely, accurate, practical legal advice and prepare effective legal documents based on applicable law and the regulatory environment.
Serve as a subject matter expert and communicate legal analysis and recommendations to attorneys, management, and staff.
Provide direction to staff regarding legal advice and requests for advice from the business.
Perform management responsibilities, including involvement in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, recognition, performance management, and staff productivity.
Plan, organize, staff, direct, and control department operations; develop and implement policies and programs; and, where applicable, exercise budgetary responsibility and authority.
Maintain effective relationships with Department colleagues, business management and staff, and inside and outside counsel.
Manage, educate, and mentor attorneys and paralegals, and educate internal customers on legal issues.
Manage litigation, transactions, and other matters; work with or supervise outside counsel and oversee work to address issues efficiently and manage fees and expenses as appropriate.
Prepare legal memoranda, contracts, pleadings, analyses, correspondence, and other documents; conduct legal research and investigate facts.
Handle complex legal matters independently and mentor others in developing legal skills.
Investigate complex situations and develop broad, innovative, and creative solutions based on legal research, facts, and law; engage others in problem-solving.
Negotiate with outside parties and instruct others in developing negotiation skills.
Manage multiple matters, prioritize work, complete assignments efficiently, and establish and communicate priorities for others.
Adapt to changing priorities, support others through change, pursue development goals, and use feedback to improve.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.