Chief Counsel - LSU Health New Orleans

Position Summary:   The Chief Counsel will be a member of the LSU Office of the General Counsel and will serve as a lead attorney providing day-to-day strategic support and legal guidance for the LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LSUHSC), encompassing areas such as labor relations, student and employee records, performance evaluations, healthcare law, intellectual property, research, grants and contract law, public procurement, leases, state ethics, and other matters.  The incumbent should be knowledgeable and experienced in matters and decisions common to an academic/research/health care setting.  The Chief Counsel will provide legal advice to the Chancellor, Dean, and other members of the institutional leadership. The Chief Counsel reports to the LSU Deputy General Counsel.

The incumbent is expected to work closely with others to ensure a smooth functioning office. The incumbent must be client focused; adaptable and able to solve problems; tactful and diplomatic; collegial, and a team player with strong organizational skills. 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Report and coordinate with the Office of General Counsel on matters of significance or matters of institutional concern. 

Confer with LSUHSC administrators, employees and students on matters involving legal interpretation and decisions related to LSUHSC activity, policy questions and operating matters.

Conduct research and analysis of current and critical legal Issues, and work to ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Review legislation, legal opinions, legal motions, cases, claims, lawsuits, and contracts to analyze impact on institution and minimize liability exposure.

Represent LSUHSC in legal proceedings when directed, serve as liaison to outside counsel and participate in or direct litigation involving LSUHSC in coordination with the Office of General Counsel.

Respond to requests for public records.

Serve on committees to provide recommendations regarding applicable legal matters. Recommend operational changes as needed to ensure legislative mandates are met.

Supervise legal staff housed at LSUHSC.

Attend and participate in seminars, training sessions, hearings, and professional association meetings to obtain information, improve skills, maintain professional proficiency, continuing legal education and Bar requirements.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school

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• 8 years of experience relevant to the duties and responsibilities specified

   

Minimum Certifications/Licenses:

• Member of Louisiana State Bar, or member in good standing of the State Bar of another state or District of Columbia and willingness to gain admission or other designation to practice law in the State of Louisiana

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience representing or performing work for public entities

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• Prior experience representing or performing work in higher education

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• Prior experience with public contracts and leases

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• Familiarity with academic medical centers

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• Familiarity with constitutional due process and other constitutional and other procedural issues related to public entities

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• Familiarity with capital outlay and other legislative appropriation issues

Chief Counsel

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.