Senior Counsel, Medical Risk Management

Garland, TX, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

PPO medical plan

100% coverage for preventive healthcare

Paid Time Off

retirement programs

Paid parental leave

wellness programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

UT Southwestern Medical Center, located in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, is a world-renowned institution dedicated to medical excellence, groundbreaking research, and compassionate patient care. With over 75 years of distinguished service, UT Southwestern has earned the top rank as the number one hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area according to U.S. News & World Report. The institution’s commitment to innovation, teamwork, and professional growth positions it as a leader in the healthcare industry, providing extensive resources and benefits designed to support the wellbeing and development of its employees. UT Southwestern's highly competitive benefits package includes comprehensive healthcare plans, paid time off, retirement programs, on-site childcare, and tuition reimbursement, among other valuable offerings. This environment fosters a culture of professionalism and collaboration, encouraging employees to grow within their careers while making meaningful contributions to the health and safety of the community.

The role of Senior Counsel at UT Southwestern’s Office of Legal Affairs is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced attorney to take a leadership position guiding a team of nurse risk managers. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Medical Risk Management, this position demands a seasoned legal professional skilled in managing complex patient complaints, grievances, and potential pre-litigation claims. The Senior Counsel plays a pivotal role in overseeing the assessment of legal risks associated with patient care, advising health system leadership on quality and safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, including CMS Conditions of Participation. This leader works closely with clinical teams—providing real-time consultation and fostering collaborative risk reduction strategies—while serving as a senior legal advisor on medical risk management matters. The responsibilities are broad and impact key areas such as litigation management, professional liability, policy guidance, and educational initiatives within the health system. The position also offers involvement in important medical committees, emphasizing the trusted and visible leadership role the Senior Counsel commands within UT Southwestern’s Legal Affairs framework. This is a unique role suited for attorneys who excel in both legal expertise and leadership, with a focus on protecting patient safety, minimizing institutional risk, and supporting clinical excellence through legal acumen and strategic foresight.

Job Requirements

J.D. degree from accredited law school
5 years of experience as a practicing attorney in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury litigation, risk management, or health law
Must be licensed and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligible for admission to the State Bar of Texas, with full Texas licensure required within six months of hire

Job Qualifications

J.D. degree from accredited law school
5 years of experience as a practicing attorney in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury litigation, risk management, or health law
Must be licensed and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligible for admission to the State Bar of Texas, with full Texas licensure required within six months of hire
Degree or certificate in nursing, healthcare, health administration, public health, or similar field preferred
2 years of experience successfully leading productive, high-functioning teams in a legal or healthcare setting preferred

Job Duties

Directly supervises, mentors and develops nurse risk managers to administer the patient complaint/grievance process in compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation
Tracks productivity and proactively identifies trends and opportunities for improvement
Advises health system leadership on potential quality and safety risks that may be identified through the complaint/grievance process
Assesses patient care complaints and grievances, within the context of applicable legal defenses, immunities, and indemnities, and implements risk reduction strategies and favorably resolves potential legal claims
Regularly interacts and collaborates with clinical staff and management to identify, quantify, and mitigate risk liability
strategic thinker who helps clinical staff navigate through legal obligations, potential liabilities, and compliance requirements
Serves as senior legal advisor in medical risk management matters and provides guidance to clinical staff on relevant UT Southwestern health system policies, in the context of applicable laws and regulations
Functions as a trusted, visible leader and senior member of Legal Affairs
serves on various medical committees including but not limited to Professional Liability Advisory Committee, Patient Review Committee, and Grievance Committee
Provides education and training regarding professional liability and risk reduction strategies within the Health System
Responsible for independent litigation management and support as lead University counsel on complaints, agency investigations, audits, and surveys
Handles professional liability claims and lawsuits in partnership with the UT System Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General, and private counsel to ensure University interests are protected
Oversees special initiatives, training programs, and projects, as delegated by the Deputy General Counsel
Performs other duties as assigned