Job Abstract

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Job Profile Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

•  Manages an individual caseload of pre-litigation matters and litigation matters from pleadings through settlement or disposition at trial, including but not limited to, reviewing pleadings and discovery responses, overseeing document production, selecting experts and reviewing expert reports, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, conducting case analysis, reviewing motions and briefs as needed, communicating with outside counsel, the MCARE Fund and insurers, as needed, developing case strategy, preparing and documenting periodic file review, preparing requisite updates, notices and reports to insurers and other individuals and entities, as needed, evaluating cases for settlement or trial, preparing case analysis reports, managing settlement negotiations, and providing trial monitoring and support.

• Collaborates with Senior Counsel in oversight and evaluation of outside defense counsel in medical malpractice and other Health System-related litigation, including ensuring compliance with litigation guidelines, and participation in internal case review meetings and Health System claims and risk related committees. 

• Undertakes occasional direct defense of medical malpractice and other Health System-related litigation from pleadings through settlement or trial.

• Participates in setting of indemnity and expense reserves for medical malpractice litigation.

• Manages litigation-related issues including representation of physicians and hospital employees in depositions and other proceedings, coordinates responses to State Board inquiries as well as subpoenas and other requests for court appearances by, and the records of, Health System physicians and facilities, etc.

• Acts as a legal resource for Director of Risk Management, Risk Managers and Risk Management Analysts on various risk management related issues.

• Provides general legal advice to senior management, staff and employees of the Health System to protect the Health System from legal exposure and to maximize compliance with statutory, regulatory and case law requirements, including participation in daily rotation of requests for legal consultation, and night/weekend consult duty.

• Counsels physicians, house staff, medical students and nurses concerning involvement in matters with medical-legal implications.

• Provides legal support and advice to Health System committees as requested. 

• Focuses on avoiding and/or resolving legal issues in a pragmatic and expeditious manner. 

• Provides back-up and acts as information resource to other internal counsel, as requested. 

• Lectures/teaches and provides educational in-services to management, clinical staff and others regarding legal issues related to medical malpractice, risk management and other health law matters.

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA accredited law school; must have a minimum of ten years of litigation experience, with an emphasis on medical malpractice litigation.  Experience in general health care law is desirable.  Must be admitted and in good standing in Pennsylvania or other state bar; admission to Pennsylvania Bar and, at a minimum, in-house counsel licensure in New Jersey is required within one year of appointment.  This position requires strong critical thinking and strategic skills; excellent legal analysis and reasoning skills; proactive approach to problem solving; ability to be a team player; excellent attention to detail; impeccable oral and written communication skills; including negotiation skills; superior organizational skills; ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamically fluid environment; and the ability to identify, frame and solve complex legal issues creatively and to convey advice clearly and effectively. Must be able to take initiative and exercise independent judgment.  Position also requires strong interpersonal skills and a diplomatic, personable, responsive and practical approach to internal clients and to outside third parties.

*Please include a cover letter with application materials.

Job Location - City, State

Department / School

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay