Managing Counsel- WVUHS Legal Services

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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 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, contracting, investigations, and risk mitigation, the Managing Counsel is responsible for leading and mentoring the legal team, offering oversight to Associate and Assistant Counsel to ensure alignment, professional growth, and operational excellence as needed. This role also 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.

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 six (6) months of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with at least 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 QUALIFICATIONS:

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

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

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

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

Risk Mitigation and Investigations Oversight

• Leads and oversees sensitive internal investigations involving employment, medical staff, compliance, and operational concerns.

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

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

Legal Team Leadership and Development

• Provides direct oversight, guidance, and mentorship to Associate and Assistant Counsel, fostering professional development and ensuring consistency in legal practices.

• Oversees workload distribution, quality of legal work, and contributes to succession planning within the Legal Services department.

Policy, Process, and Operational Support

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

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

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

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.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Skilled in leading and mentoring others, including paralegals and legal support staff, with a focus on development and accountability

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

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

• Commitment to professional growth and staying current on employment law trends, regulatory changes, and best 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.