The Associate General Counsel position, under the general direction of the Fairview Health Services Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel or designee, is an integral member of a highly talented team.  This role provides valued legal counsel and clinical risk management advice related to professional negligence, claims and lawsuits, general liability claims and lawsuits as well as other litigation matters related to patient delivery, clinical risk management and regulatory issues and opportunities across Fairview’s businesses, staff functions and field locations.  Reviews and advises officials of the most complex proposed legislation which might have a major effect on the organization impacting its clinical providers and system.  Advises top management personnel on the legal ramifications of policy decisions or current organizational practices.  Acts as a liaison with outside counsel.  May represent organization at hearings or trials, conferences, meetings or functions and may negotiate with other attorneys/officials representing other organizations or agencies as determined by the Chief Administrative Officer/General Counsel. Primary focus is on risk consulting advice and counsel, risk management program and planning and professional and general liability litigation management as described above.  May also become involved in employment related claims and litigation and credentialing and privileging matters.

This position requires remote work. In addition to adhering to all Fairview policies, guidelines, procedures, the Fairview Commitments, and the Code of Conduct, it is the expectation the following requirements of the remote work policy will be met, including but not limited to:

• Remote workspace that is clean, safe, and professional.
• Maintains an internet connection consistent with Fairview standards at remote workspace. 
• Remain productive and responsive during their scheduled work hours.
• Attend primary Fairview location, as needed.

• Providing knowledge and practical legal advice regarding any number of federal, state and local law topics related to assigned subject areas and business units
• Working with clients at all levels in the organization to understand issues and priorities, apply sound legal analysis, and identify actionable solutions that meet client needs while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Fairview policies.
• Expertly managing claims, and litigation in partnership with clinical leadership and outside counsel, as needed. Also partner with University of Minnesota Physicians and University of Minnesota as appropriate.
• Leading complex, cross-functional projects including clinical risk reduction plan and programs(s) supporting Fairview’s business priorities in alignment with Fairview’s strong compliance culture. May work independently or with a more senior attorney on projects of very high impact or complexity.
• Formulating strategies and/or make recommendations regarding strategic matters to senior colleagues or senior management.
• Developing and leading training on a range of law topics related to the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Developing and sharing knowledge and best practices with colleagues in support of a collaborative and high functioning team environment.
• Develop, revise and mature policies and procedures supporting assigned business units and train management and executives on an ongoing basis.
• Handle multiple legal matters and coordinate with other members of the Fairview legal and compliance teams on regulatory, risk, compliance, and operational issues.
• Stay apprised of important changes in law and regulation and counsel business leaders and other leaders on such changes.
• Direct the work of claims analysts and clinical risk managers to resolve claims and litigation
• Work with the appropriate departments and other attorneys to resolve claims, contract disputes and litigation, including providing legal advice.
• Advise on establishing and maintaining claims reporting procedures
• Advise and coordinate with Fairview’s treasury areas, Fairview’s insurance brokers and insurance carriers on policy provisions and dependent claims coverage matters.
• Verify and interpret insurance policy provisions and coverage.
• Oversee negotiations and settlements with authority.
• Collaborate with the Quality Department and Patient Safety Department on disclosure of adverse events when warranted.
• Collaborate with the Quality Department and Patient Safety Department on risk trends, quality initiatives and the protection of Quality information under State law.
• Draft, review, analyze and negotiate complex legal documents.
• Provide advice and counsel on a wide variety of corporate and commercial issues arising in day to day operations.
• Interface with senior executives and members of health system boards of trustees on a broad range of legal risk and compliance matters.
• Prepare and review legal opinions, pleadings, responses, legal opinions and other documents.
• Assist in the development of certain health system policies and procedures.
• Works closely with executives and top management as well as front-line staff to advise them on changes in laws and regulations, evaluates their impact, and develops the company’s positions on such changes. Conducts strong legal analysis to build positions and cases that can prevail in court.  Creates and finds interpretations and strategies that can accomplish the uncommon in the law.  Frequently needs to give immediate answers from accumulated knowledge and experience without the opportunity to research the law.  May direct major and unique company litigation.
• People management preferred.
• Ability to drive programs forward and work collaboratively with others.

Required

Education

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with a strong academic record 

Experience

• 5+ years recent and relevant experience to include professional negligence or related litigation.
• Substantive knowledge and experience with professional negligence and clinical risk issues.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to develop solutions and recommendations quickly and accurately.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills (both written and oral).
• Ability to prioritize projects, stay on task, and manage workload in a fast-paced work environment.
• Pragmatic and business-focused; ability to work collaboratively to effectively manage legal risks.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to assist with other projects as assigned by Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel. 

License/Certification/Registration

• Admission to the Bar in state of MN allowing ability to practice in MN within six months of hire or as determined in partnership with CAO/General Counsel

Preferred

Experience

• Experience in both in-house and foundational training obtained in a reputable law firm that focused on healthcare transactional and regulatory areas.
• Experience working for a large, complex organization.