Job Description

Assoc University Counsel

Requisition ID
req37265
Working Title
Assoc University Counsel
Position Grade
17
Position Summary

The Associate University Counsel provides comprehensive legal counsel, strategic risk management, and operational support across the UNM Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC). The position serves as a key member of the Office of University Counsel's healthcare litigation team, managing and overseeing complex medical negligence and healthcare-related litigation matters
Responsibilities include coordinating litigation strategy with outside counsel appointed by the New Mexico Risk Management Division; reviewing and approving significant pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and litigation-related documents; advising institutional leadership regarding litigation risks, case strategy, settlement considerations, and trial preparation; and serving as a liaison among outside counsel, Risk Management Division representatives, healthcare administrators, physicians, and other stakeholders. The position also manages and/or supports complex discovery and document production and privileging efforts, prepares and advises fact witnesses and individually named defendants for depositions and testimony, and assists with litigation-related hearings, mediations, and trials.

The Associate University Counsel will also have a role in supporting general clinical operations through participation in policy or program review, training on legal matters and research projects as assigned.
Applicants must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney by and in good standing with the highest court of another state and eligible to practice law pursuant to the limited license provisions set forth in Section 15-301.1 NMRA.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Successful candidate who is not a member of the NM State Bar is required to obtain a temporary Public Employee Limited License issued by the NM Supreme Court.
• Must become a member of the NM State Bar no later than one (1) year after date of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

J.D. or L.L.B; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certifications/License: Member of NM State Bar, or member in good standing of the State Bar of another state or district of Columbia.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in healthcare litigation, medical malpractice defense, healthcare compliance, or healthcare-related legal practice.
• Experience managing complex litigation matters and coordinating with outside counsel, insurers, government agencies, or risk management entities.
• Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations affecting hospitals, academic medical centers, and healthcare providers.
• Experience advising healthcare executives, physicians, medical staff leadership, and institutional stakeholders regarding litigation risk and legal strategy.
• Experience with discovery management, deposition preparation, witness counseling, and trial support.
• Experience with patient safety, peer review, credentialing, quality-improvement protections, and related confidentiality and privilege issues.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and interpreting institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and presentation skills, including experience providing training or educational presentations to healthcare professionals.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload involving complex factual, regulatory, and legal issues in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Willingness and ability to participate in a
  rotating on-call schedule and respond to urgent legal matters outside normal
  business hours

Additional Requirements
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
HSC Legal Counsel Office (921A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $8,502.00- $12,168.00
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
8/7/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
No
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
While this position some potential for remote work, this is an on-campus position with occasional remote work after completion of the University probationary period. For more information about Remote Work Agreements, please refer to UAP 3245, Remote Work.
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please upload your resume/UNMJobs application, cover letter, and three professional references

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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