Assistant/Associate Campus Counsel (Hospital Affairs)

Job Summary: State University of New York Upstate Medical University (SUNY Upstate), located in Syracuse, New York, invites applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Campus Counsel who can assist with and/or handle legal matters that arise in the operation and administration of hospital facilities. Duties include: Provide high-quality, timely, and efficient legal services to the University in accordance with applicable professional standards and remain current on legal and regulatory developments affecting their areas of responsibility. Advise hospital administrators, physician leadership, and risk management on non-malpractice patient care issues, including advance directives; treatment of minors and psychiatric patients; consent and termination of care; end-of-life issues; emergency detentions; transitions of care consistent with safe discharge laws; patient and family rights and responsibilities; and medical records documentation. Represent SUNY Upstate in guardianships proceedings, treatment over objection proceedings, emergency detentions/mental hygiene matters, and similar legal proceedings or administrative hearings. Represent SUNY Upstate interests in meetings with administrators, social workers and attorneys at entities such as OMH, OASAS, DSS, OPWDD, DOCCS, APS, CPS, NYS AG, and MHLS. Review and update hospital policies related to patient matters (e.g., informed consent, guardianship) and provide medical staff education on common legal issues in patient care. Assist other attorneys in the office with managing the defense of medical malpractice cases filed against University Hospital, working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York, which provides trial counsel and defense of claims filed against the State of New York. Assist with the proper disposition of subpoenas and other administrative or agency requests. Advise privacy and information security officers on legal matters related to confidentiality, information security, and the release of medical records. Participate in University Hospital ethics and patient review committees, the Medical Executive Committee, and other assigned Upstate committees, providing legal guidance to hospital administration on physician medical staff membership and related matters. Share on-call responsibilities during evenings and weekends with other attorneys in the office. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited ABA law school. Admission in good standing with the New York State Bar or eligibility for admission within 6 months of start date. Assistant Campus Counsel: Two (2) years practicing as an attorney and articulates well their desire to work as a healthcare attorney; Associate Campus Counsel: Five (5) years practicing as an attorney with some relevant health law experience consistent with the identified operational need. (Title & salary commensurate based on qualifications.) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Excellent legal analysis, legal writing and editing, and oral advocacy skills. Excellent presentation and training skills. Ability to work independently, with a demonstrated ability to research and learn complex areas of the law. Strong organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple and changing priorities and objectives. Preferred Qualifications: Experience handling litigation matters in State or Federal Court. Work Days: Monday-Fridays, days with flexibility. Will share on-call responsibilities during evenings and weekends with other attorneys in the office. #J-18808-Ljbffr SUNY Upstate Medical University