Sr Associate General Counsel, Labor

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Olympia Center

General Summary:
Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Senior Associate General Counsel will have as their primary focus advising Lurie Children’s on wide-ranging issues relating to labor and employment law and employee benefits. The Senior AGC will play a significant role with regard to guidance on employee disciplinary actions and terminations, internal investigations, litigation and disputes, employee and manager training, and more. The Senior AGC will also work closely with HR leadership to develop, refine, and implement policies, procedures, and best practices in accordance with applicable law. In addition, the Senior AGC will provide legal analysis and advice related to a wide variety of health care business and operational issues, including patient care matters, physician-hospital relationships, and partnership and vendor opportunities.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Work under the direction of, and assist, the Deputy General Counsel to provide in-house counsel to all levels of leadership that aligns with the Medical Center’s strategic vision, values, legal responsibilities, and regulatory obligations.
2. Provide day-to-day advice on a broad range of questions and issues related to Medical Center operations and activities, with special focus on issues pertaining to labor, employment and employee benefits law (including hiring, discipline and termination decisions, ADA and FMLA issues, health and welfare plan compliance, physician employment agreements, and more).
3. Research and draft memoranda, opinions and correspondence on legal issues affecting the Medical Center.
4. Identify and assess legal risks and opportunities within the labor, employment, and employee benefits areas.
5. Assist in training and education relating to legal matters.
6. Handle or direct the defense of all labor and employment related litigation and administrative charges, including complaints of discrimination, wage claims, and other federal and state employment-related investigations.
7. Negotiate workable solutions to complex and sensitive legal issues.
8. Conduct internal investigations pertaining to employment or workplace-related concerns.
9. Participate in various internal committees and provide practical advice and counsel on employment related considerations.
10. Advise on labor relations matters, as appropriate.
11. Provide counsel on executive and physician compensation issues.
12. Collaborate with HR on the development and deployment of policies, processes, tools/templates, trainings, and best practices.
13. Monitor and keep the organization updated on relevant developments in the laws and regulations affecting the health care industry, with special focus on the employment and employee benefits areas.
14. Support effective and efficient use, coordination, and management of outside counsel.
15. Lead various legal projects and collaborate on cross-functional initiatives.
16. Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Bachelor’s degree and J.D. from an accredited law school, admitted to practice law in Illinois or other U.S. jurisdiction eligible for admission in Illinois within 12 months. Minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience handling a variety of labor and employment matters, as well as substantial experience handling issues related to the health care industry, inclusive of at least seven (7) years of in-house experience. Previous experience with academic medical centers, physician group practices, health care delivery systems and/or other health care provider organizations is required. Must have excellent judgment, client counseling, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, complex compliance issues in a clear and understandable manner. Collegiality and a sense of humor are valued. Practical, hands-on, collaborative approach to resolving issues. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and congenially with employees at diverse levels. Decisiveness and ability to exercise good judgment under pressure; ability to be proactive while working in a fast-paced environment. Able to handle confidential information and data requiring the highest degree of attention and discretion. Committed to personal development and continuous learning, with a willingness and ability to take on new challenges; highly motivated, proactive team-player with a positive attitude and desire to learn and expand his/her skill set. Someone who is mission-driven with a high level of accountability. Takes it upon oneself to see that something gets done. The ability to manage difficult client situations, respond promptly to client needs and solicit client feedback to improve service. Someone who collaborates easily with others, “rolls up their sleeves,” and is a strong team player is essential in this position.

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match
• Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us
At Lurie Children’s we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: candidatesupport@luriechildrens.org