Senior Assistant Counsel, Litigation

Yale New Haven Health; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health system in Connecticut is seeking an experienced Senior Assistant Counsel to manage complex medical liability and litigation matters. This role requires a Juris Doctor and a minimum of eight years of experience in high-exposure defense. The candidate will oversee claims management, supervise legal teams, and provide strategic legal counsel to ensure compliance and minimize risk. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential. This position offers a chance to shape legal strategies in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in high‑exposure medical liability and catastrophic injury defense.
• Active license in good standing with the Connecticut state bar.
• Deep understanding of healthcare tort litigation and medical standards of care.

Responsibilities

• Serve as in‑house counsel for high‑exposure medical liability.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of claims including reporting and negotiation.
• Supervise litigation personnel including junior attorneys and claims specialists.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Strong negotiation skills

Ability to assess complex medical and legal issues

Effective communication with nonlegal stakeholders

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

The Senior Assistant Counsel-Litigation Services serves as in‑house legal counsel responsible for investigating, managing, evaluating, and resolving complex, high‑exposure medical liability and other litigation including, but not limited to, general liability, cyber liability, corporate litigation, cy pres actions, third‑party subpoenas, and investigations with extensive document productions. This role provides legal counsel to clinical, administrative, and executive leaders; supervises litigation, outside counsel and other litigation staff; and ensures compliance with captive claims management best practices. The attorney plays a critical role in safeguarding the organization’s legal interests, minimizing financial risk, and advancing effective litigation strategy.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• Litigation and Claims Management Responsibilities
  • Serve as in‑house counsel for high‑exposure medical liability and catastrophic injury and other litigation including, but not limited to, general liability, cyber liability, corporate litigation, cy pres actions, third‑party subpoenas, and investigations with extensive document productions.
  • Oversee and direct the full lifecycle of claims: insurance reporting, investigation, case evaluation, litigation strategy, recovery and offsets, negotiation, mediation, and trial oversight.
  • Issue and manage legal holds.
  • Direct and manage outside defense counsel, ensuring cost effective and high quality representation.
  • Assess liability exposure and damages; provide legal analysis and recommendation to organization's stakeholders and executives.
  • Establish and maintain reserves within required best practices.
  • Obtain settlement authority as required, including preparing and delivering presentations to organization's claims committee.
  • Draft and/or review legal documents, settlement agreements, indemnification clauses, and risk related contract terms.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal compliance/reporting requirements, including NPDB and CMS reporting.
  • Identify and elevate legal and defensibility risks to Risk Management, clinical leaders, and other stakeholders to reduce exposure to future claims.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, department chairs, physicians, and operational leaders in all assigned litigation matters.
• Operational Responsibilities
  • Provide oversight and accountability for at least one operational or administrative function.
  • Lead and prepare the team for litigation and captive audits; serve as the primary point of contact for auditors.
  • Act as catalyst for continuous improvement by enhancing litigation workflow, processes, and procedures.
  • Lead and manage significant projects within established timelines, minimal oversight, and provide timely updates to stakeholders on issues affecting deliverables.
  • Maintain subject matter expertise in assigned areas and deliver appropriate training for the litigation team.
  • Participate in captive program initiatives and projects.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and analytics regarding trends in claims, litigation outcomes, and financial exposure.
  • Captive insurance administration duties as assigned.
• Supervise litigation personnel including junior attorneys, claim specialists, and administrative staff.
• Other projects and legal work as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Experience
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in handling high‑exposure medical liability and catastrophic injury defense matters. Prior experience in a hospital, health system, medical liability insurer, or medical liability defense firm strongly preferred.
• Licensure
  • Active license in good standing with the Connecticut state bar (or eligible for in‑house counsel status). Licensure in New York and/or Rhode Island is a plus but not required.
• Special Skills
  • Deep understanding of healthcare tort litigation, medical standards of care, and healthcare operations.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex medical and legal issues.
  • Ability to collaborate with clinicians and communicate legal and medical concepts effectively to nonlegal stakeholders.
  • Strong negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
  • Strong interpersonal, influencing, listening, and collaborative skills to serve as a trusted partner with department leaders and key stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to develop strategy and manage complex matters with competing priorities.
  • High emotional intelligence and capacity to manage sensitive, confidential issues in high‑pressure situations.
  • Strong issue‑spotting skills and sound judgement regarding escalation.

Additional Information

Accountability

Accountable to Director for Litigation Services for successful achievement of job responsibilities. Responsible for a case load of at least 110 claims. Informs Director for Litigation Services of ongoing activity and critical litigation matters. Responsible for independently meeting deadlines and providing timely solutions to issues identified with minimal supervision and direction.

Complexity

Provides legal advice. Adheres to sound legal and ethical practices. Ability to juggle competing matters simultaneously.