Nursing Paralegal - Office of General Counsel

Discover Your Career at Emory University

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Description

As Nurse Paralegal, provides specialized support to attorneys within Emory Healthcare's Office of the General Counsel in the management and defense of medical malpractice claims and lawsuits.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Integrates clinical expertise with legal knowledge to evaluate claims, reviews and summarizes medical records, assesses potential liability and causation, and manages claims data within the organization's claims management system.
• Collaborates closely with in-house counsel, outside defense counsel, and leaders across Risk Management, Quality, Patient Safety, and Insurance Services to ensure accurate evaluation and effective handling of complex medical malpractice matters.
• Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes medical records and other clinical documentation relevant to potential or active malpractice claims.
• Evaluates the medical and factual merits of claims and assist attorneys in developing case strategy.
• Prepares detailed medical chronologies, timelines, and summaries for use in claim evaluation, litigation, and trial preparation.
• Assists in the discovery process, including identifying and organizing relevant documents, expert materials, and witness information.
• Inputs and maintains claim data in Emory Healthcare's claims management system; generates reports and assists with claims analytics.
• Collaborates with Risk Management, Quality, Patient Safety and Insurance Services teams to collect and interpret data relevant to patient care and outcomes.
• Participates in case reviews, claim evaluation meetings, and internal investigations, as needed.
• Supports counsel in preparing for depositions, mediations, and trials.
• Communicates effectively with clinicians, administrators, and external legal partners while maintaining confidentiality.
• Supports trial preparation, including assembly of exhibits, witness lists, and trial binders.
• Assists attorneys with special projects, audits, and administrative tasks, as needed.
• Works closely with legal teammates, executives and operational leaders to implement practical solutions.
• Performs related responsibilities as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience which includes clinical nursing experience and experience as a paralegal or legal nurse consultant.
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred or equivalent legal nurse consulting experience.
• Excellent written, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to interpret complex medical and legal information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current licensure as a RN in the state of Georgia; nursing experience in an acute care or hospital setting; paralegal experience in a medical malpractice or healthcare litigation setting; proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems (Epic preferred); experience with claims or risk management systems (e.g., RLDatix, RiskMaster, Origami Risk); familiarity with litigation procedures, expert witness management, and trial preparation; and/or experience in a hospital or healthcare system legal department or law firm focused on healthcare litigation.

Competencies and Attributes

• Clinical Insight: Applies nursing and clinical judgment to evaluate medical and legal issues effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to interpret complex medical records and claims data and identify key issues.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with attorneys, clinicians, and administrators across disciplines.
• Communication: Presents medical and legal information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Professional Judgment: Maintains confidentiality and discretion in sensitive legal and clinical matters.
• Adaptability: Handles changing priorities and case demands in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Where will I work?

• Hybrid work arrangement may be available (minimum two days per week on-site presence required; subject to change at the discretion of the organization).
• Standard office environment with occasional travel to hospital sites or court-related activities. 

Other benefits:

• Emory’s compensation is competitive with similar universities and comes with outstanding benefits, including:A generous contribution from the universi