Managing Counsel- WVUHS Legal Services

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Under the supervision of the AVP & Senior Corporate Counsel (AVP), the Managing Counsel serves as a senior legal leader within WVUHS Legal Services, providing high level legal expertise and strategic oversight for the WVUHS Medical Group (System Medical Group) and other designated service lines. This role operates at a broader system level, advising senior and executive leadership on complex legal matters that influence operational strategy, provider relations, and organizational risk. The Managing Counsel plays a pivotal role in driving legal consistency and proactive risk management across a growing and dynamic healthcare system.

In addition to providing expert legal counsel on employment law, medical staff issues, regulatory compliance, including compliance with Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse, Stark, and tax exemption, contracting, investigations, and risk mitigation to the System Medical Group leadership team , the Managing Counsel is responsible for coordinating with the legal team, offering assistance to the AVP, and other General Counsel to ensure alignment, and operational excellence. This role also serves as the primary point of contact for the creation, review, negotiation and editing of contracts and policies for System Medical Group and serves as a key partner to senior leaders, shaping legal strategies that support organizational goals, system integration, and sustainable growth, bridging operational execution with legal best practices. The Managing Counsel is also responsible for other day-to-day duties as assigned by the AVP.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

2. Active and unrestricted license to practice law in West Virginia or eligibility to obtain licensure within one (1) year of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of seven (7) years of legal experience, with at least three (3) years focused on healthcare or hospital legal matters.

2. Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring or supervising other legal professionals.

3. Strong knowledge of healthcare regulatory environments, employment law, provider relations, and medical group structures.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

1. Prior experience as in-house counsel within a healthcare system.

2. Experience supporting multi-site or multi-entity healthcare organizations.

 CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Legal Leadership (40%)

1. Serves as a key legal advisor to senior leadership, providing high-level counsel on complex legal matters impacting the System Medical Group and assigned service lines.

2. Drives alignment of legal strategies with organizational goals, supporting growth, integration, and operational excellence.

3. Acts as a trusted thought partner to executive, operational, and HR leadership teams across the system.

Risk Mitigation and Investigations Oversight (20%)

1. Coordinates internal investigations involving employment, medical staff, compliance, and operational concerns.

2. Provides proactive legal strategies to mitigate organizational risk, reduce liability, and support positive employee and provider relations.

3. Partners closely with Human Resources, Compliance, and Risk Management on system-wide initiatives and high-risk matters.

Leadership and Development (15%)

1. Provides direct oversight and guidance to business partners and guidance to Hospital General Counsel, AVPs, Associate and Assistant General Counsel.

2. Oversees workload distribution for System Medical Group, quality of legal work, and contributes to succession planning within the Legal Services department.

Policy, Process, and Operational Support (25%)

1. Leads the development, review, and interpretation of organizational policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and operational clarity.

2. Drafts and/or reviews contracts and related documents for System Medical Group and related service lines between other system organizations and with outside agencies or organizations.

3. Advises on contracting strategies and supports process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce legal exposure.

4. Provides day-to-day legal advice to System Medical Group’s board of directors, officers, employees, and clinical leadership regarding compliance with all guidelines, laws and contracting matters.

5. Provides advice regarding compliance with Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse, Stark, and tax exemption.

6. Updates and revises articles of incorporation, bylaws, and related documents for System Medical Group and develops routine reports to its Board of Directors, as necessary.

7. Partners with key stakeholders to deliver training and education on legal and regulatory topics impacting leaders and frontline teams.

8. Provides assistance and back-up coverage for AVP and/or Chief Legal Officer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. General office work.

  

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Strong knowledge of healthcare, contracts, employment law, regulatory compliance at the federal and state level, and corporate governance with the ability to interpret and apply laws in a healthcare setting.

2. Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess risk and offer practical, business-minded solutions.

3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

4. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

5. Proven ability to manage and oversee sensitive employee relations investigations while maintaining confidentiality and fairness.

6. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and interpret policies and procedures to ensure organizational compliance and consistency.

7. Skilled in leading and mentoring others.

8. Proactive approach with strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

9. Sound judgment and decision-making abilities, with the confidence to advise senior leaders on high-stakes legal matters.

10. Commitment to professional growth and staying current on healthcare, employment, and contract law trends, regulatory changes, and best legal practices.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Exempt)

Company:

SYSTEM West Virginia University Health System

Cost Center:

509 SYSTEM Legal Services

Address:

1085 Van Voorhis Rd

Morgantown

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.