At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.
Job Summary
The incumbent will be responsible for day-to-day management of all Legal Department operations other than the furnishing of legal advice. Collaborates with the Legal leadership team to optimize department operations, streamline workflows, enhance team engagement, and improve overall efficiency. This responsibility shall include oversight of legal support staff; implementation of policies, guidelines, and workflows to ensure efficient Department operation; development and tracking against annual budgets; real time tracking of outside counsel expense; selection and implementation of effective systems for matter management, knowledge management, document management, eDiscovery, e-billing, and contract lifecycle management; negotiating with law firms regarding rate, retentions, and conflict waivers; assist with the development of, and implement, contracting and issue playbooks;.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Licenses/Certifications: (None)
Experience / Knowledge / Skills:
Minimum eight (8) years’ experience working in an in-house legal department, with at least five (5) years as the lead individual responsible for several of the matters described below.
Extensive experience with and knowledge of systems used by in-house legal departments for matter management, knowledge management, document management, eDiscovery e-billing, and contract lifecycle management.
Ability to work collaboratively to achieve established goals and exercise independent judgment with minimal supervision or oversight.
Strong writing and analytical thinking skills.
Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Incumbent must interact daily with system and hospital senior executives, Legal department personnel, middle management, retained outside counsel, Medical Staff leaders, and community members.
Principal Accountabilities
Supervise non-attorney personnel.
Develop, implement, and periodically update best in class policies, guidelines, playbooks and workflows governing operation of the Legal Department. Apply continuous process improvement.
Evaluate, select, and maintain highly effective systems for matter management, knowledge management, document management, eDiscovery, e-billing, and contract lifecycle management.
Develop, implement, and continually update a system by which the Legal Department can benchmark its performance against its own historical performance and that of other comparable in-house legal departments.
Develop and manage the reporting of relevant legal data to internal stakeholders.
Develop and serve as the primary liaison with Finance for annual budgets requests for the Department that accurately incorporate forecasted needs. Monitor ongoing compliance with the budget and track and report variances.
Negotiate and manage key law firm relationships, including evaluation, selection, retention, and conflict waivers.
Implement and maintain a highly effective system for real time tracking and reporting of outside counsel expenses by topic area, matter, and law firm.
Assist in development and distribution of agenda for Legal Department meetings.
Develop and implement cost control initiatives.
Develop and implement a system for securing timely client feedback.
Establish and maintain the Legal Department intranet page with reference documents, templates, FAQs, and other materials, and manage company-wide communications from the Legal Department
Develop and regularly revise model retention letters and billing guidelines for outside counsel.
Design, develop, and conduct RFPs for services of outside counsel or other external vendors.
Develop office CLE program.
Manage library services and outside resources.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and off boarding employees; attorney and non-attorney alike Assists the Chief Legal Officer and other executives in preparation of Board reports and with other matters as requested
Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
Other duties as assigned.