The University of New Mexico (UNM), based in Albuquerque, NM, seeks an experienced legal professional to serve as Deputy University Counsel for Health Affairs (DUC) within its Health Sciences Center (HSC).
Reporting to and under the general direction of the General Counsel, the DUC manages the legal team within the University’s Health Sciences Center and assists the General Counsel with legal, strategic, and governance issues across all operations of the University. The DUC performs complex legal work for the highest levels of University administration, especially in the area of health law, and represents or oversees the representation of the University in legal proceedings. The DUC will analyze legal and regulatory issues related to all aspects of the University’s healthcare operations, including but not limited to hospital operations; EMTALA compliance; medical staff self-governance; Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement; managed care contracting; physician services contracting; health-care decision-making; healthcare information privacy and security; and patient safety and quality; and develops and/or reviews institutional policies. The DUC also analyzes legal and regulatory issues pertaining to basic and human subjects research (including clinical trials compliance) and animal research and oversees contracting with respect to these matters. The DUC will be expected to advise management on strategic transaction approaches and deal structures for a growing academic health center operation. The DUC develops strategy for and has oversight of the team of attorneys and staff who manage medical malpractice claims and litigation. In addition, the DUC oversees, coordinates, and trains attorneys and professional staff, and may perform the duties of the General Counsel during the absence of and upon request of the General Counsel.
Founded in 1889, UNM is New Mexico’s flagship institution, located on an 800 acre campus in the heart of Albuquerque. The University features a distinctive Pueblo Revival architectural style and maintains branch campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia County, plus an HSC extension campus in Rio Rancho, home to the UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center. As both a Hispanic Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution, UNM reflects the rich cultural diversity of the state and enrolls more than 25,000 students across its campuses. The University is home to an accomplished faculty that includes members of the National Academies, National Academy of Inventors Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, and other distinguished honorees. UNM is the largest academic employer in New Mexico and has more than 200,000 alumni worldwide.
UNM’s Health Sciences Center is the state's largest integrated healthcare, research, and education system, committed to providing accessible, high quality care to New Mexicans across diverse communities. The HSC’s clinical, academic, and research strengths make it a leader in advancing health outcomes across the region. UNM Hospital was established in 1952 to serve Bernalillo County and Native American communities. Today it is New Mexico’s only academic medical center and home to the state’s sole Level I trauma center, dedicated Children’s Hospital, NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Children’s Psychiatric Center. The UNMH system employs nearly 8,000 people and, in FY2025, recorded over 98,000 ER visits, nearly 3,000 births, 28,000 inpatient admissions, and 660,000 outpatient visits.
The successful candidate is a results driven legal leader with significant experience in an academic medical center or integrated health system. Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong emotional and social intelligence and the ability to build effective relationships at all organizational levels. Required qualifications include a JD from an ABA accredited law school, membership in the New Mexico Bar or eligibility for licensure upon hire, and at least ten years of relevant healthcare law experience supporting hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Preferred qualifications include prior supervisory experience and expertise in hospital operations, compliance, physician alignment or contracting, and healthcare related transactions.
WittKieffer is assisting The University of New Mexico this search. Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidates should provide, as two separate documents, a résumé/CV and a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Profile. Applications should be submitted via email to WittKieffer consultants Werner Boel and Roxana Woudstra at: [email protected].
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.