Chief Counsel Healthcare

An experienced attorney with a background in healthcare regulatory compliance, transactional matters, and general corporate law. This position works under the direction of the Vice President & Deputy General Counsel and supports a wide range of legal needs across the  healthcare and clinical operation functions of the University, as well as its subsidiaries and affiliates. The attorney will advise on matters involving healthcare regulations, clinical services, risk management, mergers and practice acquisitions, business entities, contracts, and compliance, while also supporting broader University legal initiatives.  An attorney with additional experience in general transactional matters, who can also work alongside the University’s other attorneys on project assignments that reflect the wide-ranging needs of the University.  The role requires sound legal judgment, discretion, the ability to work independently, and a strong commitment to the University’s mission. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Healthcare Regulatory Matters Provides legal advice and services to healthcare and clinical units, including medical operations, counseling services, wellness programs, and affiliated practices. Reviews, drafts, and negotiates healthcare‑related contracts, including provider agreements, clinical services agreements, business associate agreements, affiliation agreements, and equipment or service arrangements. Advises on compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, including HIPAA, HITECH, EMTALA, Stark Law, Anti‑Kickback Statute, state licensing laws, privacy, and billing/coding requirements. Assists with regulatory filings, credentialing matters, and scope‑of‑practice considerations. Supports risk management activities, including incident review, mitigation strategies, and policy development. Conducts due diligence and analysis related to healthcare partnerships, acquisitions, service expansions, or new clinical initiatives. Interface with other University attorneys on their areas of specialty as they relate to healthcare operations (e.g., employment). Coordinates with external healthcare counsel on specialized matters. Corporate, Transactional  and Other Contractual Matters Reviews, drafts, negotiates, interprets, and enforces commercial contracts, merger and acquisition agreements, and other transactions. Advises on contract liability, risk allocation, indemnification, and compliance considerations. Interprets federal and state statutes, regulations, and rules applicable to healthcare operations. Drafts and reviews institutional policies. Supports entity formation, governance, and maintenance for healthcare-related business entities. General Legal Matters Provides legal services and guidance to administrators and department leadership for the University and its healthcare-affiliated entities. Recommends strategies for resolving issues involving business, compliance, risk management, and operations. Mentors para-professionals and junior staff. Conducts legal research and prepares legal memoranda. Develops training materials and delivers presentations on legal compliance topics. Stays informed of changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and related higher‑education trends. Identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency and compliance in processes. Works collaboratively with the legal team and supports the University’s mission. Performs other related duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Licensing Juris Doctor degree from an ABA‑accredited law school. Strong academic record at undergraduate and law school levels. Active license in good standing to practice law in Virginia or eligibility to become licensed (or able to obtain a Virginia Corporate Counsel Certificate). Experience A minimum of five (5) years of relevant legal experience. Experience advising on healthcare regulatory compliance, including HIPAA, Stark, Anti‑Kickback, EMTALA, licensing, and privacy laws. Experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating healthcare, merger and acquisitions, and other commercial contracts. Experience conducting due diligence review of various acquisitions and business opportunities. Familiarity with clinical operations, provider credentialing, billing/coding regulations, and healthcare risk management. Experience working with clients in regulated industries, preferably at both federal and state levels. Experience with corporate governance, business entity formation, and maintenance of organizational documents. Personal Demonstrated walk as a committed Christian. Successful completion of an acceptable background check. Self-motivation with a strong work ethic. Confidence and maturity with a sense of humor and humility. Willingness to learn and mentor. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Prior in‑house experience within a healthcare organization, university health system, or related environment; or prior private practice experience working in the healthcare-support practice group of a law firm. Experience representing hospitals, clinics, university health centers, or other healthcare providers. Knowledge of not‑for‑profit law and governance. Undergraduate or graduate degree in health administration, public health, business, or a related field. Experience with compliance programs, healthcare audits, or regulatory investigations. Experience with risk management or quality‑improvement systems. ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE ROLE Communication and Comprehension Professional demeanor. Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Ability to deliver legal advice to non-lawyer clients concisely and in plain English without legalese. Excellent legal research and writing skills. Strong and effective drafting, negotiation, and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build strong working relationships with clients. Demonstrated abilit