Sr. Deputy Litigation Counsel

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that’s dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a diverse team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

This Sr. Deputy Litigation Counsel role reports to the UnitedHealth Group (UHG) Chief Litigation Officer and provides thought and practical leadership, is accountable for litigation matters across the company, and provides thoughtful and practical leadership to a team of litigation professionals. This role develops strategies and leads a team of attorneys and other legal professionals to ensure the necessary day-to-day business support to achieve successful performance and results. Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

Position Description

• Manage the UHG litigation strategy and execution.
• Keep abreast of legal changes that impact our organization while also overseeing litigation matters on behalf of the company.
• Actively manage the strategic defense of complex domestic and global regulatory and investigatory matters and litigation.
• Appear in court or arbitrations, as appropriate.
• Manage, lead, and develop a team of professionals dedicated to supporting all UHG lines of business and functional areas.  
• Manage and oversee external legal counsel including managing budgets, directing litigation and investigation strategies, reviewing, and finalizing pleadings, mediation/arbitration statements, and settlement agreements, and ensuring cost-effective and high-quality legal representation.
• Effectively build and strengthen relationships with constituents across the organization to understand the business issues and effectively manage legal risk.
• Provide legal counsel and guidance to executive leadership on litigation risks.
• Work at the highest advisory level to perform the most complex legal analysis and assignments.
• Identify legal and regulatory trends that may impact the business and keep executives abreast of trends /changes.
• Protect and represent the organization’s rights in contract negotiations, settlements, and litigation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key government regulatory authorities.

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 12 years of litigation and investigation experience with a focus on healthcare law either in a law firm or in-house counsel, as well as experience interacting with federal and state regulators. 
• Proven track record of providing strategic legal advice to senior executives and navigating complex legal issues in the healthcare industry.
• Solid leadership skills with demonstrated ability in managing and developing others, including leading and developing large teams and overseeing outside counsel. 
• Excellent written and oral communication, strategic decision-making, analytic, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to drive results and effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a heavily matrixed environment.
• Professional experience demonstrating Enterprise Insight, Critical Thinking and Uncertainty and Ambiguity Comfort.
• Ability to effectively build and nurture relationships with constituents across the enterprise to understand business issues and effectively manage legal risk.
• Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Familiarity with the laws and regulations governing healthcare.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Based in Washington, D.C. or Eden Prairie, MN.
• Ability to travel as needed.

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.
 
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. 

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.   

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.    
 
UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.