About this role
About This Role Location: Franklin TN, Hybrid The Principal, Claims & Litigation, serves as Acadia's lead subject matter expert for complex liability claims and litigation matters. This role partners closely with the Director of Claims, Legal Department, Risk Management, and Operations leaders to manage professional liability, general liability, mass tort, multidistrict litigation (MDL), and other high-exposure matters. The position is responsible for developing litigation strategy, directing outside counsel, evaluating risk exposure, supporting claim resolution efforts, and identifying opportunities to reduce organizational risk across the enterprise. This role is designed for a legal and claims professional with attorney-level training and litigation experience. The position is not responsible for providing legal advice on behalf of the organization and does not require an active law license. Our Mission At Acadia, we exist to Lead Care with Light. Every day, our teams help improve lives, inspire hope, and elevate communities through compassionate behavioral healthcare. Compensation & Benefits We value your expertise and dedication—and we invest in your success.
• Competitive Base Salary commensurate with experience • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • 401(k) Plan with Company Match • Paid Time Off (PTO) and recognized holidays • Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental wellness resources • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within Acadia's nationwide network
What you'll do…
• Manage a portfolio of complex professional liability, general liability, and other litigation matters from claim inception through resolution.
• Review and analyze incident reports, investigations, medical records, pleadings, expert opinions, and other claim-related materials to evaluate liability, damages, and financial exposure.
• Develop litigation and settlement strategies in partnership with the Director of Claims, Legal Department, and outside counsel.
• Manage relationships with outside defense counsel, including case strategy, budgeting, performance expectations, and legal spend oversight.
• Participate in mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and trials as appropriate.
• Negotiate claim resolutions and settlements within established authority levels.
• Support the management of mass tort and multidistrict litigation (MDL) matters, including claim analysis, document collection, discovery coordination, and defense strategy implementation.
• Coordinate litigation holds, document preservation efforts, and responses to discovery requests.
• Maintain accurate documentation within claims management systems and prepare reporting on significant claims, litigation trends, and financial exposure.
• Collaborate with Risk Management, Quality, Clinical Operations, Human Resources, and Legal leaders to identify trends and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist with communications and reporting to insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, and excess insurers regarding pending and threatened litigation.
• Monitor emerging legal, regulatory, and healthcare liability trends and provide recommendations to reduce organizational risk. • OTHER FUNCTIONS:
• Support special projects and investigations as assigned.
• Assist with preparation of litigation summaries and executive-level reporting.
• Provide guidance and consultation to facility leadership regarding claims and litigation matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned. STANDARD EXPECTATIONS:
• Complies with organizational policies, procedures, performance improvement initiatives, and confidentiality requirements.
• Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism when handling highly sensitive matters.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
What you'll bring... Minimum
• Minimum 5 years of experience in claims management, insurance defense, healthcare litigation, medical malpractice, mass tort litigation, multidistrict litigation (MDL), complex civil litigation, or related areas.
• Strong litigation and claims management expertise.
• Knowledge of healthcare liability and risk management principles.
• Ability to evaluate legal, operational, financial, and reputational risk.
• Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage a high-volume portfolio of complex matters.
• Proficiency with claims management systems and Microsoft Office applications. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Healthcare, behavioral healthcare, hospital, or medical malpractice experience.
• Mass tort and/or multidistrict litigation (MDL) experience.
• Experience managing outside counsel, litigation budgets, and settlement strategies.
• Experience working within a self-insured, captive, or high-retention risk environment. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including attendance at mediations, trials, facility visits, and business meetings. Why Acadia? When you join Acadia Healthcare, you become part of a team dedicated to improving lives through compassionate care and ethical leadership. We are committed to helping our employees grow professionally while making a meaningful difference for patients, families, and communities. At Acadia, we:
• Lead Care with Light by supporting those who care for others. • Set the standard for care through accountability and excellence. • Lift and uplift one another through collaboration and respect. • Innovate quickly to save lives by improving processes and outcomes. • Succeed as one by working together toward a common purpose. If you're passionate about investigations, healthcare compliance, and protecting patients while strengthening organizational integrity, we encourage you to apply. Acadia Healthcare is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. AHCORP LI-TB1 We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.