Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Contracting and Acquisitions

Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Contracting and Acquisitions

Job Overview:

We are looking for a Senior Attorney specializing in Commercial Contracting and Acquisitions to provide legal counsel and strategic support for our health system s contracting activities. This position requires a deep understanding of healthcare law, with specific expertise in negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, including supply chain agreements, purchased services, and pharmacy contracts. The ideal candidate will also be adept in supporting corporate acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex commercial transactions.

In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including the supply chain, finance, compliance, and pharmacy departments, to ensure the organization s interests are safeguarded while achieving its operational and business objectives. The Senior Attorney will also assist in maintaining corporate governance, risk management practices, and contribute to ongoing legal strategy development within the organization.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required
• Must be licensed to practice law in New Jersey
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience with a focus on commercial contracts, acquisitions, and healthcare law
• At least 5 years of experience in healthcare-specific contract law, including supply chain agreements, purchased services, and pharmacy contracts
• Significant experience in negotiating and drafting complex contracts in a corporate or healthcare setting
• Proven experience in corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, with a deep understanding of due diligence processes.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with hospital and health system operations, including regulatory compliance and operational workflows
• Experience in negotiating and managing contracts in the context of large-scale health systems or multi-location health services
• Background in pharmacy law or pharmaceutical supply chain contracting
• Experience with legal technology and contract management software

Essential Functions:

• Commercial Contracting & Negotiation:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including but not limited to supply chain agreements, purchased services contracts, pharmacy and pharmaceutical supply contracts, vendor agreements, service provider contracts, settlement and release agreements, group purchasing agreements, and facility management contracts
  • Ensure these agreements are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Practical Knowledge and skills in legal disputes and potential dispute and litigation support
• Acquisitions & Corporate Transactions:
  • Provide legal counsel and support for corporate acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and divestitures (this would only apply to incorporating acquisitions into our contract portfolio)
  • Conducting due diligence, drafting and reviewing transaction documents, and advising on the structuring of deals to ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Supply Chain & Pharmacy Contracts Expertise:
  • Collaborate closely with the supply chain and pharmacy teams to address legal issues surrounding procurement, inventory management, distribution, and pharmaceutical contracting
  • Assist in negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, service providers, and vendors to ensure compliance and operational efficiency
  • Understanding of Supply Chain and Logistics processes
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:
  • Advise on healthcare regulatory issues affecting commercial contracts, including federal and state healthcare regulations (e.g., Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, HIPAA, and other applicable laws)
  • Ensure all contracts adhere to legal and regulatory requirements within the healthcare industry, focusing on minimizing legal and financial risks
• Risk Management:
  • Identify potential legal risks within business transactions and commercial agreements and provide strategic solutions
  • Assist in risk mitigation efforts by advising on contract terms, performance clauses, dispute resolution processes, and termination clauses
• Internal Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Work closely with senior leadership, operational teams, and business units to provide timely, pragmatic legal advice that aligns with organizational goals
  • Provide training on contracting best practices and legal updates to key stakeholders within the health system
• Dispute Resolution:
  • Manage and resolve any disputes arising from contractual obligations
  • This includes overseeing litigation and arbitration processes, negotiating settlements, and working with external counsel when necessary
• Legal Research & Continuous Learning:
  • Stay updated on the latest trends, regulations, and legal developments in healthcare law, commercial contracting, and acquisitions
  • Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on any relevant legal changes

Skills & Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of healthcare regulations and industry standards (e.g., HIPAA, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, 340B Program)
• Strong understanding of healthcare supply chain management, vendor relations, and pharmaceutical contracts
• Experience advising on compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution in the healthcare sector
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to work effectively with external parties (vendors, suppliers, service providers)
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while addressing legal complexities
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to compliance and risk management

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.