Asst. General Counsel - Contracts

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!
 

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.
 

The Assistant General Counsel - Contracts is responsible for assisting the Deputy General Counsel of Operations to direct, coordinate and manage overall contract functionality for the healthcare system. Activities include contract preparation, drafting, redlining, and negotiating healthcare system contracts and arrangements, with a focus on: standard services arrangements, consulting engagements, academic affiliation agreements, hardware/software/equipment purchases and leases, GPO/supply chain, Data Use Agreements, Business Associate Agreements, NDAs, facility maintenance agreements (e.g., EVS, linen and laundry, fire and sprinkler, etc.), and staffing/recruitment agreements. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

 

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
The Assistant General Counsel - Contracts is responsible for assisting the Deputy General Counsel of Operations to direct, coordinate and manage overall contract functionality for the healthcare system. Activities include contract preparation, drafting, redlining, and negotiating healthcare system contracts and arrangements, with a focus on: standard services arrangements, consulting engagements, academic affiliation agreements, hardware/software/equipment purchases and leases, GPO/supply chain, Data Use Agreements, Business Associate Agreements, NDAs, facility maintenance agreements (e.g., EVS, linen and laundry, fire and sprinkler, etc.), and staffing/recruitment agreements. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Provides expert advice and counsel with respect to all contracting matters, with a focus on the specialty areas identified in the “Summary” section, above.
• Review, update and manage contract template database; develop and maintain contract forms and playbooks.
• Direct and support the annual “Vendor Evaluation” process, including the annual accrediting body assessments and audits with respect to contract management and contracted services.
• Work closely and professionally with business unit partners to identify system risk areas with respect to contracting practices and to support and facilitate implementation of contracting best practices.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging contracting technologies and AI opportunities to enhance contracting processes and features.
• Assists Deputy General Counsel of Operations to plan, organize, implement and guide contracting-related activities and operations for MLH and subsidiaries / affiliates.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations to business partners regarding contracting matters, policies, processes, and best practices.
• Support business unit leaders in monitoring contract KPIs and business/financial targets.
• Assist/support in the maintenance and update of contract database repository (e.g. “Ntracts”)
• Directs projects, research and activities of paralegals.
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for self-development and enhancement of professional competency.
• Perform other health system related legal duties as assigned by and under the guidance of the Deputy General Counsel Operations including in the areas of: health system day-to-day operational needs; patient care (and patients' rights) issues; health plan/third party payer matters; supply chain/materials matters; FCC/general communications matters; marketing/promotional matters; trademark/ intellectual property matters; financial, tax and corporate governance matters; Medical Staff and related matters); HR/employment matters; and other related legal needs of the system.

Education Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Law

Experience Qualifications

• Five (5) years of relevant legal experience (healthcare system, hospital counsel, law firm – healthcare practice)

Skills and Abilities

• Strong contract drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills.
• Thorough knowledge of legal principles, methods and procedures in healthcare contracting; ability to effectively research and stay up-to-date on the same.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Skill and ability in advising the Deputy General Counsel of Operations and internal stakeholders regarding contracting matters (including risk, breach and mitigation assessments)
• Ability to understand, develop, and implement relevant contracting-related policies and procedures.
• Ability to direct and manage outside counsel in accordance with budgetary goals.
• Advanced skill in negotiating and conflict resolution with and between individuals and groups of people, including Associates, management and physicians.
• Ability to plan and schedule tasks and projects and to maintain control of own and others’ workflow.
• Skill in developing and implementing long-range plans and system contracting initiatives.
• Ability to work without close supervision or professional guidance and to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally with all levels of Associates, executives, management and physicians.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals and groups of people toward the accomplishment of work and organizational goals.
• Additional preferred skills: research/clinical trial arrangements; familiarity with “Ntracts” contracting platform

Licenses and Certifications

• Attorney - Board of Professional Responsibility

Supervision Provided by this Position

• Provides daily and/or project direction to staff attorney, a paralegal and a legal secretary.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Education:

Juris Doctorate: Law (Required)

Work Experience:

Healthcare legal

Certifications:

Attorney - Board of Professional Responsibility

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.