Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Litigation (Remote)

Kindred Healthcare•Louisville, KY

19d•Remote

About The Position

The Associate General Counsel, Litigation, leads the litigation department and manages potential and pending litigation matters and investigations for the Company. The role provides ongoing, proactive legal guidance on pre-litigation and litigation matters, including labor and employment, general business disputes, class and collective actions, and professional liability matters and medical malpractice claims. It reports directly to the General Counsel. The position works collaboratively with attorneys in the Legal Department, operators, executive leadership, and other business partners. It advises the Company on compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and laws, maintaining working knowledge of those requirements and the Company’s existing and planned operations. The role also develops strategies to address disputes and investigations and to prevent similar matters from recurring.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree required.
At least 9 years of progressive litigation or litigation management experience, with an emphasis in labor and employment law, general and professional liability claims, or equivalent.
Deep knowledge of employment law, including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and wage and hour matters, as well as litigation processes and professional liability claims.
Ability to develop and implement strategic legal approaches to manage risk and resolve disputes.
Skill in managing outside counsel, legal budgets, and internal litigation support functions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and advise senior leadership.
Experience conducting internal investigations and handling government inquiries.
Ability to represent the Company effectively at mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
Proficiency in managing discovery, e-discovery, litigation holds, and records compliance.
Ability to deliver legal training and promote compliance across the organization.
High discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive matters.
Ability to manage multiple complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

Retain and manage outside counsel and third-party experts, review outside counsel invoices for reasonableness, and develop and implement strategies for pre-litigation and litigation matters.
Represent the Company in employment law litigation and compliance matters, including matters involving FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, wage and hour laws, and workplace investigations.
Lead the Liability Claims team in managing general and professional liability claims.
Work with business stakeholders and executive leadership to conduct internal investigations, assess litigation risks, and develop resolution strategies.
Collaborate with the Operations Counsel on government investigations and contract matters that may lead to litigation.
Represent the Company at mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
Review settlement offers and recommend whether to accept or reject them.
Oversee legal services specialists responsible for subpoena response, discovery and e-discovery, litigation holds, and records management.
Monitor pre-litigation and litigation matters and prepare reports for management review, diligence, and audit requests.
Provide strategic recommendations regarding reserves, settlements, and trial decisions.
Manage legal reserves and assist with preparation of the Legal Department budget.
Provide internal training and education on litigation and legal topics.
Communicate and collaborate with operators and business partners regarding litigation and investigations.
Communicate with opposing counsel and government investigators and recommend and negotiate necessary settlements.
Develop and implement strategies to prevent similar litigation matters and investigations.