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

About Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Presbyterian offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, life insurance, and optional voluntary benefits.

The Employee Wellness Rewards Program encourages staff to engage in health-enhancing activities-like challenges, webinars, and screenings-with opportunities to earn gift cards and other incentives.

As a mission-driven organization, Presbyterian is deeply committed to improving community health across New Mexico through initiatives like growers' markets and local partnerships.

Founded in 1908, Presbyterian is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with nine hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. With nearly 14,000 employees, it is the largest private employer in the state, serving over 580,000 health plan members through Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Commercial plans.

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