Job Title: In-House Corporate Counsel
Location: Novi, Michigan (Corporate Headquarters)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Department: Legal
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Overview:
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation is seeking a highly skilled In-House Corporate Counsel to provide expert legal guidance and representation in a wide range of matters related to healthcare, employment law, compliance, and regulatory issues in Michigan and Ohio. The ideal candidate must possess a license to practice law in both Michigan and Ohio and have strong experience in employment law, healthcare regulations, union negotiations, litigation, workers' compensation, DOL, EEOC, and various forms of legal action brought by patients, employees, or vendors.
As the Corporate Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, protecting the company’s legal interests, and reducing legal risks. You will collaborate closely with the HR, compliance, operations, and finance departments to provide strategic legal advice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Employment Law and Labor Relations:
- Provide legal counsel on employment law issues, including hiring, discipline, terminations, wage and hour compliance, employee benefits, and workplace policies.
- Represent the company in employment-related litigation, arbitration, and administrative hearings in Michigan and Ohio.
- Manage collective bargaining agreements (CBA) and advise on union negotiations.
- Address grievances, unfair labor practices, and disputes under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
- Offer guidance on employee discipline, discrimination claims (EEOC), retaliation, and other workplace issues.
- Healthcare Law and Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement policies, and other relevant laws.
- Provide guidance on matters related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other healthcare reform legislation.
- Assist in legal matters concerning patient care, including informed consent, patient confidentiality, and healthcare litigation.
- Oversee legal aspects of medical malpractice, insurance disputes, and risk management issues.
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
- Oversee and manage litigation involving employees, patients, or vendors.
- Coordinate with outside counsel when necessary and manage costs of litigation.
- Defend the organization in legal disputes, including claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, and healthcare malpractice.
- Lead legal strategy and settlement negotiations to mitigate litigation risks.
- Workers' Compensation and Labor Compliance:
- Provide legal counsel on Michigan and Ohio workers’ compensation claims and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
- Manage defense and resolution of workers’ compensation claims and provide strategic advice to HR and management on proactive measures to reduce liability.
- Compliance and Regulatory Matters:
- Ensure the organization’s compliance with healthcare laws, federal and state labor laws, including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and OSHA regulations.
- Monitor developments in healthcare law and labor regulations in Michigan and Ohio and provide proactive updates to executive leadership.
- Ensure compliance with DOL regulations, including wage and hour laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Ensure adherence to EEOC guidelines, including handling claims related to harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
- Contract Review and Vendor Relations:
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including vendor agreements, lease agreements, and service contracts.
- Manage legal risks associated with vendor disputes, procurement issues, and contracts with third-party providers.
- Oversee breach of contract disputes and enforce contract provisions when necessary.
- Legal Action and Risk Management:
- Investigate and defend against legal actions brought by patients, employees, and vendors.
- Provide legal advice related to insurance claims, liability issues, and compliance with state/federal healthcare regulations.
- Manage the company's risk management initiatives, ensuring that insurance policies, contracts, and internal policies mitigate exposure to liability.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Must hold a license to practice law in Michigan and Ohio .
- 5-10 years of legal experience in healthcare, employment law, and corporate law, preferably with a focus on skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care facilities.
- Proven expertise in healthcare regulatory compliance , including HIPAA , Stark Law , Anti-Kickback Statute , Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, and other relevant healthcare laws.
- Experience in employment law , including union negotiations , collective bargaining agreements , labor relations , and EEOC matters .
- Strong knowledge of workers' compensation laws , DOL compliance , and OSHA regulations in Michigan and Ohio.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- Proven litigation experience, including managing outside counsel and overseeing court cases.
- Ability to handle multiple, complex projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
- Exceptional negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Strong ethical decision-making skills with the ability to operate in a high-pressure environment.
- Union experience and ability to navigate labor disputes and negotiations are highly desired.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with healthcare risk management .
- Familiarity with non-compete agreements and intellectual property issues .
- In-depth knowledge of healthcare operations , patient care laws , and professional licensure for healthcare providers.
- Experience with mergers and acquisitions, particularly in healthcare.
Additional Information:
Work Location: Corporate Office in Novi, Michigan , with occasional travel to facilities in Michigan and Ohio .
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Optalis Health & Rehabilitation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.