Senior Counsel

EyeCare Partners is the nation's leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to our patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 650 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide care in 18 states and 80 markets, providing services that span the eye care continuum. For more information, visit click to view www.eyecare-partners.com .

SUMMARY

The Senior Counsel will report to the Chief Legal Officer and serve as a key member of the Legal Department, with primary responsibility for overseeing the creation, negotiation, and ongoing management of physician employment agreements and real estate contracts. This position plays a critical role in supporting provider recruitment and retention, organizational growth, and management of the company's portfolio of 800+ leased properties. In addition, the Senior Counsel will provide legal support for loan forgiveness programs and managed care/payor contracts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the lead legal partner for all physician and provider employment agreements, including drafting, negotiation, and interpretation.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and Operations to support growth and onboarding initiatives through timely execution of employment contracts.
• Provide legal oversight for loan forgiveness programs offered to employed physicians and other clinical staff, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Oversee legal matters related to real estate, including commercial leases, timeshare licenses, and space-sharing agreements.
• Review, draft, and negotiate managed care and payor agreements.
• Advise executive leadership and field operations on legal obligations, risk exposure, and contract strategy related to assigned areas.
• Monitor relevant federal and state regulations related to employment, compensation structures, payor contracting, and real estate.
• Collaborate with Compliance, HR, and other departments to ensure adherence to internal policies and legal standards.
• Support general Legal Department initiatives and provide overflow support when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in drafting and negotiating physician or provider employment agreements and/or real estate agreements in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Familiarity with Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and other healthcare employment-related regulations preferred.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-state healthcare organization.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, business-oriented approach to legal advice.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Required: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum Required: 5-9 years of legal experience, preferably in both law firm and in-house environments.

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS

• Minimum Required: None

SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

LOCATION

• This position is located in St Louis, Missouri and offers a hybrid work schedule. Candidates living in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, N. Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia may also be considered for remote work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with arms and hands, talk and hear. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

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EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.