Senior Litigation Attorney - Gainesville OR Jacksonville

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Senior Litigation Attorney identifies, investigates, analyzes, and evaluates medical, legal, and fiscal issues related to potential and asserted covered claims against SIP participants. The role conducts factual investigations, evaluates negligence, causation, and compensable damages, prepares claim summaries and reserve recommendations, and advises the SIP Program Council and its Claims and Litigation Committee. The attorney coordinates and manages litigation and pre-suit processes for covered claims, including developing defense strategies, arranging experts and outside counsel, preparing witnesses, managing discovery and responses, participating in depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials, and pursuing timely claim resolution through denial, settlement, or defense. The role monitors case progress, reserves, and payments in accordance with SIP protocols, Florida statutes, and management policy. The position also identifies claim-related risks and coordinates loss-prevention activities with SIP Loss Prevention staff. It provides advice and education to healthcare providers, reviews contracts and other materials for liability exposure, and supports healthcare providers facing administrative proceedings related to their medical licenses. Travel is required for witness preparation and depositions throughout the United States and occasionally in foreign countries. Other legal and administrative duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
Five years of experience in the legal, medical, or healthcare fields.
Membership in good standing of the Florida Bar, or ability to become a member within twelve months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Medical malpractice claims handling experience.
Knowledge of tort law.
Knowledge of healthcare systems.
Knowledge of risk management techniques.
Demonstrated competency in medical research.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Internet research skills.
Ability to perform under great pressure in a multi-tasking environment.
Ability to interact with individuals of all social and economic backgrounds.
Good native intelligence.

Responsibilities

Identify, investigate, analyze, and evaluate medical, legal, and fiscal issues related to potential and asserted covered claims against SIP participants.
Conduct full factual investigations and evaluate claims for negligence, causation, and compensable damages.
Prepare claim summaries and recommend indemnity and allocated loss expense reserves under established protocols.
Advise and investigate for the SIP Program Council and its Claims and Litigation Committee, and provide assistance with SIP administrative responsibilities.
Coordinate and manage litigation in defense of lawsuits based on covered claims, monitor cases through litigation, and ensure timely discovery responses.
Develop defense strategies; initiate the hiring and retention of experts; assist in selecting outside counsel; prepare witnesses; and participate in significant hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
Coordinate and manage pre-suit legal and administrative processes required by Florida statute, including timely responses to information requests and production.
Resolve assigned claims through denial, settlement, or defense, and track pre-suit negotiations and case progress for timely resolution.
Monitor files to ensure appropriate reserves and that allocated loss expense and indemnity payments remain within authorized limits.
Travel to meet with and prepare fact and expert witnesses and attend depositions throughout the United States and occasionally in foreign countries.
Identify risk factors contributing to claims and suits, review files for loss-prevention opportunities, and document related initiatives.
Collaborate with SIP Loss Prevention staff, recommend risk-mitigation activities, follow up on loss-prevention programs, and provide advice regarding patient-care liabilities and protocols.
Conduct in-service education programs, seminars, and topical presentations for healthcare providers, and promote awareness of loss-prevention programs.
Review and track proposed and existing contracts, affiliation agreements, marketing materials, and other items submitted by insureds to assess liability exposure.
Provide investigative and administrative support for healthcare providers involved in administrative proceedings concerning their medical licenses and facilitate procurement of counsel.
Prepare witnesses for pre-suit unsworn statements, represent covered entities at unsworn statements and depositions when approved by the Deputy Administrator, and perform legal work such as legal research and preparation of memoranda and responses.
Perform other assigned duties and functions.