Litigation Counsel

Ardent Corporate; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardent Health is seeking a Litigation Counsel to join the legal team in Brentwood, TN. You will provide legal support on third-party adverse actions, commercial and insured litigation, and employment compliance matters under the VP, Litigation & Employment Counsel.

The role requires strong analytical abilities, sound judgment, and the capacity to deliver practical legal advice in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Collaboration with HR, Compliance, Operations, and outside counsel is essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5–7+ years of legal experience including litigation and employment law.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to assess risk and provide practical business advice.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with deadlines.
• Confidentiality and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research tools.

Responsibilities

• Defend employment-related claims such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, leave, accommodation, and wrongful termination matters.
• Support all phases of litigation: fact gathering, discovery, document review, witness prep, and case management.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, pleadings, and position statements.
• Respond to administrative charges and inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies.
• Review, draft, and update policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Research developments in relevant law and advise on risk impact.
• Assist with internal investigations involving employee complaints and compliance issues.
• Collaborate with HR, Compliance and business leaders to assess risk and actions.
• Assist with employment law audits and best-practice initiatives.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and manage assigned matters.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Confidentiality

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research platforms

Job description

Overview

Ardent Health is a leading provider of healthcare in communities across the country. With a focus on consumer-friendly processes and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access. We are driven by our purpose of caring for people: our patients, our communities and one another.

Located in Brentwood, Tennessee, Ardent has earned a reputation as one of the industry's strongest and most innovative healthcare systems. Our facilities and clinics are consistently recognized among healthcare's best employers. We recognize each hospital and clinic is as unique as the community it serves. We strive to maintain strong community ties through advisory boards, contributions, charitable care, education and outreach.

Ardent includes:

• 30 hospitals
• 280 sites of care
• 4,281 beds
• 24,000+ team members
• 8,200+ nurses
• 1,800+ aligned providers
• 5.8M annual provider encounters
• 421 medical residents

Ardent makes considerable investments in people, technology, facilities, and communities, producing high quality care and extraordinary results. From newly constructed facilities and expanded services, to lifesaving technology and outstanding opportunities for employees, Ardent is committed to providing its hospitals and clinics the tools needed to succeed.

We believe it is this mix of corporate support and local autonomy that equips our teams for success.

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to join our legal team at Ardent Health as a Litigation Counsel.

Under the guidance of the VP, Litigation & Employment Counsel, the Litigation Counsel provides legal support on all third-party adverse actions (subpoenas, demand letters etc), commercial litigation, insured litigation, administrative charges, investigations, and labor and employment compliance matters. This role partners closely with all members of the legal department, Human Resources, Operations, Compliance, and outside counsel to help manage initial demands, claims and litigation so as to reduce Company risk from discovery and adverse results.

The successful candidate will assist with all phases of litigation, including case assessment, discovery, legal research, document preparation, witness interviews, and settlement support. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing practical legal advice in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists in defending employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, leave, accommodation, and wrongful termination matters.
• Supports all phases of litigation, including fact gathering, discovery responses, document review, witness preparation, and case management.
• Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, pleadings, position statements, and other legal documents.
• Responds to administrative charges and inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies.
• Assists in reviewing, drafting, and updating policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Researches developments in applicable law and recommends actions to address organizational impact and legal risk.
• Supports and advises on internal investigations involving employee complaints, ethics concerns, and compliance issues.
• Collaborates with Human Resources, Compliance, and business leaders to assess legal risk and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Assists with employment law audits, compliance initiatives, and implementation of best practices.
• Coordinates with outside counsel and manages assigned litigation and administrative matters.

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5-7+ years of legal experience, with exposure to litigation, workplace investigations, healthcare regulatory environment, and employment law.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to evaluate risk and provide practical, business-oriented advice.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research platforms.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across departments.

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Law firm or in-house experience.
• Experience supporting litigation, agency responses, or workplace compliance matters.
• Healthcare industry experience.
• Strong business partnership mindset.
• Curiosity and desire to develop expertise in employment litigation.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance appropriately.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.