Job Overview

Provide legal advice, counsel and advocacy in the strategic creation and implementation of the university’s overall risk management program and, in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or outside counsel, in the defense of related litigation for the university and, in some instances, its affiliated entities. Position will report primarily to the Directors of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), but also to the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel or his/her designee for the limited purpose of providing advice, counsel and service to the university on risk related matters and also on general legal matters when expressly assigned to do so by the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and under his/her supervision and review. As a designated Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio, legal services may be done in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and must be performed consistently with the expectations of the Directors of ERM, Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, University stakeholders, and the Ohio Attorney General.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the practical and strategic administration and management of the university’s risk, claims and loss control management program and related litigation.
• Assist with development, administration, and management of overall risk management programs for a major university with an academic medical center, involving insured risks and professional and general liability, and property claims.
• Actively identify and logically assess potential legal risks in unique and complex situations.
• Provide risk management recommendations to further university objectives, leveraging sound risk assessment information.
• Draft necessary legal documents. Effectively deliver difficult messages to diverse stakeholders.
• Assist with identification and management of insurable exposures and the analysis of risk/insurance problems.
• Represent the university in the management of property, automobile and general liability; operate university insurance programs for medical professional and general liability.
• Develop and manage claims and incident information systems. Act as a consultant on claims and insurance questions. Develop and recommend policies and procedures.
• Investigate and make recommendations regarding decisions to settle/defend, selection and assignment of outside counsel, negotiation, adjustment of self-insured claims including medical malpractice, litigation management and coordination of insurance involvement, in a manner that prioritizes the University’s interests, and in coordination with the Ohio Attorney General as needed.
• Work collaboratively in providing advice on a variety of complex legal matters in a fast-paced, high-volume, good-humored environment.
• Communicate, cooperate, and interact comfortably with a diverse community and multiple constituencies, including senior administrators, staff, faculty, students, trustees, external professionals and vendors in a manner that demonstrates regard for and commitment to principals of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Work effectively and efficiently in a high-pressure environment and respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Exercise excellent judgment and attention to detail, act with the highest degree of honesty and integrity, and demonstrate the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative as and when appropriate.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

Required Trainings/Certifications

• License to practice law and in continuous good standing with the State of Ohio
• Qualify for appointment as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio

Required Experience

• Seven (7) years of experience in litigation and/or risk management
• Highest degree of ethical character and compliance with all legal and ethical rules applicable to an attorney licensed and practicing in the State of Ohio
• Highest level of legal research, analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, take direction, and collaborate on a team while advising diverse stakeholders in a high-volume environment

Additional Qualifications Considered

Relevant experience providing legal services to a hospital, medical center, or higher education institution.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment