POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary role of the Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) is to analyze medical issues in professional liability cases and long term care litigation and to play a supportive role to Steptoe & Johnson attorneys in the delivery of high quality legal services.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS :

The legal nurse consultant reports to the supervising attorney, Practice Group Leader, and the Department Chair for matters regarding legal work. LNCs also report to the Office Manager for administrative matters.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Legal nurse consultants assist attorneys with the evaluation of medical malpractice cases, nursing home cases, and other cases as assigned. Responsibilities are performed under the supervision of the attorney and are carried out based upon the discretion and preference of the attorney and any established firm protocols for case management.

LNC responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1.* Identify, organize and analyze pertinent medical records. Identify missing records and recommend additional records needed to complete case evaluation.

2.* Prepare chronology, timeline or other summary of medical records. Report format may vary by case and attorney preference.

3.* Assist attorney with the evaluation of standard of care, causation, and damages issues.

4.* Identify case strengths and weaknesses.

5.* Conduct medical literature searches and legal research as needed.

6.* Identify, screen, and facilitate review by expert witnesses on medical issues.

7.* Identify documents for review by experts, prepare letter and HIPAA forms. Delegate the preparation of expert packages as appropriate.

8.* Participate in discussions with medical experts to obtain verbal opinion. Draft memo to attorney summarizing expert opinions. Keep experts updated on case status.

9.* Educate attorneys and clients regarding relevant medical issues.

10.* Participate in case management and case strategy discussions.

11.* Participate in client interviews.

12.* Assist attorney with status updates to clients as needed.

13.* Act as a liaison between the attorney, client, and medical experts.

14.* Draft or analyze medical portions of legal documents (e.g. discovery).

15.* Locate or prepare demonstrative evidence for trial.

16.* Assist with preparation for and support during deposition, trial or ADR.

17. Other duties and projects as assigned.

*Denotes essential functions of the position

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse is required, with a minimum of five years of clinical experience (i.e. in a healthcare setting).
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing is preferred. Prior experience as an LNC, nurse paralegal or risk manager is preferred. Certification in legal nurse consulting is also preferred.
• Detail oriented with a strong attention to detail
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to perform medical literature research
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to interview witnesses and document what is learned
• Ability to organize large volumes of diverse materials and draft complex documents
• Ability to prioritize and work under a tight schedule
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy
• Ability to travel, as needed, based upon client demands
• Ability to work overtime, as needed, to meet deadlines
• Ability to recognize legal/technical issues and effectively recommend course of action

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Manual dexterity used in operating standard office equipment. Prolonged periods of sitting. May be required to walk to various areas throughout the department requiring use of stairs and/or elevators.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Normal office environment, some travel required including overnight.

JOB STATUS: This position is non-exempt, and can be full-time 37.5 hours per week or part-time.