Job Description

The Associate Legal Counsel, Tax/Employment, will support the Sr. Vice President and Chief Legal Officer by providing expert legal guidance on tax and employment law matters. This role is integral to managing legal risks, ensuring compliance with federal and Texas state laws, and supporting the legal needs of UMC Health System. Candidates outside of Lubbock County may work fully remotely, provided they are available to work on-site at least two days per month.

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

Job Specific Responsibilities
Daily assignments may include but are not limited to:

Advise on tax compliance and planning related to employee compensation and retirement benefit plans (e.g., 403(b), 457, 401(k), defined benefit plans), including EPCRS corrections.
Advise on tax compliance and planning related to welfare benefit plans (healthcare plans, ancillary benefit insurance contracts, educational assistance programs).
Provide counsel on labor and employment matters, including wage/hour issues, employment agreements, workers' compensation, and non-compete clauses.
Address issues under IRC 501(c)(3), including private inurement and unrelated business income tax (UBIT).
Review and approve tax-related components of contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable tax and employment laws.
Draft, review and revise legal documents, including employment contracts, employee handbooks, non-compete agreements, RFP/RFQs, benefit plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and vendor agreements.
Ensure compliance with FLSA, COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and relevant state laws, including the Texas Government Code.
Conduct legal research and provide clear summaries and recommendations.
Participate in committee meetings, management, and other cross-functional meetings as legal counsel, particularly on tax, employment, and regulatory compliance matters.
Stay current on changes in tax, employment, and healthcare law through ongoing professional development.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Minimum of 10 years of legal experience with strong expertise in tax law (especially for nonprofit/governmental organizations), labor/employment law, and employee benefits law.

Required Licensures/Certifications/Registrations
Active license to practice law in the State of Texas (Texas State Bar membership required).
Additional certifications in tax law or employment law (preferred but not required).

Skills and Abilities
Deep understanding of federal and Texas laws relating to tax-exempt healthcare entities, employee benefits, and labor regulations.
Proven ability to analyze and communicate complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.
Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw).
Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments.

Interaction with Other Departments and Other Relationships
This position interacts with the Board of Managers, Executive Staff, Division Directors, Department Directors, and staff across multiple departments. Additionally, the role includes frequent interactions with physicians, employees, and external partners. The position represents UMC Health System and its affiliates at the system level.

Physical Capabilities
This position is of medium demand, occasionally requiring up to 10 pounds of force and/or frequently requiring a small amount of force to lift, carry, pull, or move objects. The role primarily involves sitting with frequent walking or standing periods.

Environmental/Working Conditions
The work environment is primarily inside, with the potential for temperature variations. The position may require travel for on-site meetings in Lubbock.

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