Health Law PBM Attorney or Special Counsel (Off-Track)

Job Description

Job DescriptionHealth Law PBM Associate Attorney or Special Counsel (Off-Track)

Locations: Boston, New York, Washington, DC

Direct Counsel is seeking a Health Law PBM Associate or Special Counsel to join a national Am Law 100–caliber firm with a premier Health Law Practice. This is an off-track (non-partnership) position and is ideal for attorneys with strong commercial contracting experience in the managed care and pharmaceutical supply chain/PBM space.

About the Health Law Practice

The Health Law Practice provides comprehensive guidance to a diverse array of clients, including providers, payors, PBMs, manufacturers, distributors, and other pharmaceutical supply chain participants. The team advises on complex litigation, transactions, operational issues, and regulatory matters, leveraging a cross-disciplinary approach to help clients navigate challenges and pursue business opportunities.

Responsibilities

The Associate or Special Counsel will support a national team advising health plans in their contracting relationships with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other pharmaceutical supply chain vendors. Core responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating PBM contracts and related commercial agreements (e.g., rebate agreements, pharmacy network contracts, vendor arrangements).

• Leading and supporting the full contracting lifecycle for PBM procurements, including coordination with clients and in-person negotiations (occasional travel required).

• Counseling clients on operational, regulatory, transactional, and contract administration matters affecting health plan operations.

• Managing multiple contract workflows and collaborating with partners, clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel.

• Handling disputes arising under PBM and health plan contracts.

This role requires the ability to work autonomously on day-to-day contract drafting and negotiations while maintaining close communication with team members.

This position requires approximately 60% in-office presence in accordance with firm guidelines.

Qualifications

• JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Admission to or eligibility for admission in MA, NY, or DC.

• Minimum of 3+ years of transactional or commercial contracting experience in the managed care, PBM, or pharmaceutical supply chain industries.

• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations governing health plans, PBMs, and related entities preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a team environment.

• Experience with PBM operations, managed care contracting, or in-house PBM roles encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $200,000 – $345,000

• Bonus-eligible

• Comprehensive benefits package offered