Staff Attorney - Risk Management

Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) is seeking a Risk Staff Attorney I to join our legal team and support the management and defense of claims and litigation. Reporting to the Risk Staff Attorney III, this role plays a key part in risk mitigation, claims defense, and litigation support across our integrated healthcare system.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in claims and litigation management, including discovery, pleadings, motion practice, and witness preparation

• Collaborate with internal Claims Adjusters, Risk Staff Attorneys, and outside counsel on litigation strategy, discovery requests, and settlements

• Provide guidance and support to PHS workforce members involved in litigation or subpoenas

• Review and negotiate pre-suit claims, evidence preservation letters, and settlement demands

• Support development and implementation of risk management strategies, policies, and procedures

• Provide education and training on best practices and regulatory compliance

• Participate in incident investigations related to patient safety, compliance, or potential claims

• Promote a culture of safety and risk awareness by collaborating with clinical, quality, and legal teams

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong interest in healthcare law, risk management, and claims/litigation

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and provide guidance in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

If you are a dedicated legal professional seeking a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare law and risk management, we would love to hear from you.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in one or more states and a member in good standing of the applicable state bar;
• New Mexico license to Practice Law preferred and must be acquired as soon as practicable following employment.
• 5 years experience practicing in the health law field, with a particular focus on healthcare compliance, contracting and transactions.
• 5 years of experience in regulatory and transactional matters for healthcare clients, including advising clients on federal and state regulatory matters; fraud and abuse (including, in particular, the Stark Law); physician arrangements; mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures and affiliations; reimbursement issues; compliance reviews and investigations; privacy and security; and exempt organization issues.
• Experience working in a litigation setting preferred. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with court personnel, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. 
• Occasional in-state travel to various PHS facilities. 

• Provide legal support for contracts and business arrangements, including physician and referral source agreements

• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and risk management

• Review, draft, and negotiate agreements to meet strategic and business objectives

• Advise business leaders on physician compensation, fair market value, and commercial reasonableness

• Develop and maintain standard contract templates, clauses, and provisions

• Serve as legal advisor to committees and strategic initiatives

• Educate and train business partners and stakeholders on legal compliance and risk mitigation

• Support compliance department initiatives and provide backup coverage for other attorneys

• Collaborate with hospital departments to operationalize legal and business objectives

All benefits-eligible Presbyterian employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, group term life insurance and other optional voluntary benefits.

Wellness
Presbyterian's Employee Wellness rewards program is designed to provide you with engaging opportunities to enhance your health and activate your well-being. Earn gift cards and more by taking an active role in our personal well-being by participating in wellness activities like wellness challenges, webinar, preventive screening and more.

Why work at Presbyterian?
As an organization, we are committed to improving the health of our communities. From hosting growers' markets to partnering with local communities, Presbyterian is taking active steps to improve the health of New Mexicans.

About Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian exists to improve the health of patients, members, and the communities we serve. We are locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.

Our health plan serves more than 580,000 members statewide and offers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Commercial health plans.

AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.

USD $91.73/Hr.

The compensation range for this role takes into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience and training, internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.