Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel - UT System

This position is part of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which represents The University of Tennessee, a statewide system of public higher education.  This position will be based in Memphis where the University's Health Science Center is located, but responsibilities may involve service to all campuses and institutes in the University system. This position will primarily be responsible for defending the University in litigation arising at the Health Science Center, including healthcare liability, other torts, breach of contract, and student and employee issuest.  This position may also assist with responding to complaints made to administrative agencies, and handling other matters related tot he Health Science Center.  The incumbent is expected to handle all aspects of litigation, including acting as lead trial counsel and usually will be the only attorney assigned to a matter.

Representing the State of Tennessee as solo defense counsel in claims filed in the Tennessee Claims Commission (TCC), primarily health care liability claims and also claims for personal injury, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, other torts and workers' compensation.  Handling all phases of litigation including reviewing and analyzing pre-suit notices for statutory compliance, drafting all pleadings, drafting and arguing pre-trial and dispositive motions, propounding and responding to written discovery, participating in depositions of parties, fact witnesses and experts, preparing mediation statements and participating in mediations, conducting settlement negotiations which opposing counsel, preparing settlement documents and settlement memoranda, conducting trials of actions in the TCC and Circuit Court, and representing the State in all phases of appeals, including preparation of appellate briefs and appellate oral arguments.

Advise UTHSC administrators and department personnel on various litigation-related administrative matters and policies, and advise UTHSC employees regarding document subpoenas and other third party litigation requests for depositions of UTHSC residents or faculty.

Review and revise responses to claims history credentialing requests for present and former UTHSC residents and faculty to send to health care facilities and licensing boards for provider hospital medical staff privileges and licensure.

JD from an accredited law school; Tennessee law license or eligibility for Tennessee license; minimum of five(5) years of relevant litigation, including healthcare liability matters; strong academic record; and strong legal writing and oral communication skills.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

Knowledge - Tennessee Law, Civil Law - Tort, contract, employment, and other litigation; Higher Education Law

Skills - Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, diplomatic, and oral and written communication skills

Ability - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, demanding tasks; demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and work independently in a highly collegial and high-performing environment; highly versatile set of legal skills; pragmatic and objective business acumen and ability to recognize the broader consequences of legal advice; ability to perceive and explain to non-lawyers the practical application of law and policy in complex situations; high degree of personal integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to accountability; initiative and intellectual curiosity.

Preferred Qualifications

More than 10 years of litigation experience, including first-chair trial experience.

Application Process 
For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.      

Benefits and Compensation
Compensation for this position will be competitive with comparable positions at peer institutions. 

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/