Legal Services Director oversees the activities of the organization's legal department. Provides legal advice, interpretation, and guidance to senior management and officers regarding contracts, state/federal regulatory requirements, intellectual property or trademark protection, and other business matters. Being a Legal Services Director reviews all information and prepares defense for any legal actions against the organization or advises on prosecuting lawsuits on behalf of the organization. Coordinates and reviews the work of internal or external legal staff. Additionally, Legal Services Director manages staff of attorneys. Requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Requires admittance to a state bar. Typically reports to top management. The Legal Services Director typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Legal Services Director typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Under the general direction of the President/CEO, the Head of Legal Services & Senior Director is responsible for legal and regulatory services for Mercy Health Corporation and demonstrates a deep understanding of the numerous and complex laws and legal issues affecting the organization. The individual works closely with executive leadership and provides advice on legal, risk management, transactional, and related matters. On a daily basis, serves as the in-house legal counsel, supervises the activities of Legal Services attorneys and paraprofessionals, and serves as liaison with outside legal counsel. May represent the employer in court actions or legal negotiations. Prepares pertinent legal reports for senior leaders and Board of Directors as needed. The individual develops budgets and strategies in accordance to the system’s mission and vision, oversee the implementation of operational plans, serves as a champion for the system’s culture of excellence program and orchestrate the organizations continuous quality performance improvement plan for the legal department. The individual serves on various committees, works closely with leadership and employed partners, physicians, community representatives in the achievement of his or her role to provide efficient and effective services in areas of accountability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Oversees the legal affairs of Mercy Health Corporation.• Planning, organizing, directing and controlling the operation of assigned areas.• Helps in the development and implementation of Mercy Health Corporation policies and procedures.• Directing the coordination of interdepartmental and interdisciplinary activities and community resources.• Evaluating the quality of services for assigned areas and overseeing performance improvement systems.• Preparation of budgets and maintaining the operation of the departments and services within the approved budgets.• Planning and participating in the orientation and continuing development of legal staff in assigned areas.• and improvement and operation of the organization.• Oversees compliance working with outside counsel with all federal and state regulatory bodies and agencies.• Performs all other duties as assigned.
Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
Education and Experience
Graduate of an accredited law school10 years of health law experience in an integrated health system or law firmExperience with employment law and labor relations preferred
Certification and Licensure
Licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin or Illinois
Additional Requirements
Passing the Driver’s License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring)Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check
Must be able to follow written/oral instructions
Other Skills and AbilitiesWork involves stress and significant mental and visual effortStrong communications and leadership skills requiredOrientation to outcomes management, service excellence and continuous quality improvement is requiredSpecial Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Supervises
Work requires a high level of independent judgment. The position has substantial latitude for independent action. Responsible for supervision of department staff attorneys and employees.