Assistant General Counsel - Pharmaceutical Distribution at Cardinal Health

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health, a global leader in pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare solutions, empowers pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers with essential products and services. With a robust network spanning the United States, Cardinal Health manages billions in pharmaceutical distribution annually, ensuring timely access to critical medications. The Legal Department plays a pivotal role, delivering strategic counsel on contracts, compliance, and risk management to support business growth in a highly regulated industry.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health employs over 48,000 associates worldwide, focusing on innovation in supply chain logistics, specialty pharmaceuticals, and patient care. As a Fortune 500 company, it prioritizes ethical practices, regulatory adherence, and operational excellence, making it an ideal employer for legal professionals specializing in healthcare law.

Role Overview

The Assistant General Counsel - Pharmaceutical Distribution position offers a dynamic opportunity to serve as primary legal advisor to Cardinal Health's Pharmaceutical Distribution and Specialty Pharmaceutical Distribution segments. Reporting to senior attorneys, this role demands sharp business acumen, expertise in healthcare regulations, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You'll handle high-volume workloads, negotiate complex contracts, and mitigate risks associated with pharmaceutical services, group purchasing organizations, and Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)/Fraud & Abuse compliance.

This nationwide field-based role provides flexibility while immersing you in cutting-edge challenges at the intersection of law, business, and healthcare. With a disclosed salary range of $135,400 - $208,100 USD per year, it reflects Cardinal Health's commitment to attracting top-tier talent.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical position, you'll deliver exceptional legal support to business units. Core duties include:

• Demonstrating strong business acumen to draft and negotiate contracts efficiently.
• Managing a fast-paced, high-volume workload while identifying legal and compliance issues.
• Escalating risks appropriately and collaborating with subject matter experts in Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance teams.
• Providing practical guidance on laws like Antitrust, Stark, Anti-Kickback, False Claims Act, HIPAA, and marketing regulations.
• Developing and conducting legal training for business clients to foster compliance.
• Proactively assessing business risks, improving processes, and ensuring adherence to Cardinal Health's Business Code of Conduct.

Success requires exercising sound judgment under general supervision, communicating persuasively across all organizational levels, and staying current on pharmaceutical distribution regulations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Cardinal Health seeks candidates with proven expertise in healthcare law. Essential qualifications include:

• J.D. from an accredited law school with a record of high academic achievement.
• Active license to practice law in Ohio or another state.
• 8-10 years of relevant experience in a large complex organization or law firm, emphasizing commercial/transactional and healthcare law.
• Excellent oral/written communication, contract drafting/negotiation skills, and acute attention to detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, business acumen, and ability to work independently or collaboratively in dynamic settings.
• Flexibility for travel and enthusiasm as a self-starter.

Preference for knowledge of pharmaceutical distribution, group purchasing organizations, and regulations like AKS/Fraud & Abuse.

Benefits & Perks

Cardinal Health offers a premium compensation package designed for work-life balance and long-term success:

• Competitive base salary from $135,400 to $208,100 USD annually, with potential for higher based on experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match and employee stock purchase plan.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, and legal training opportunities.
• Nationwide field-based flexibility, wellness programs, and employee assistance resources.

Career Growth

At Cardinal Health, legal professionals advance rapidly in a supportive environment. This Assistant General Counsel role serves as a launchpad to senior leadership, with opportunities to influence strategy across pharmaceutical segments. Access mentorship from seasoned attorneys, cross-functional projects, and exposure to high-stakes deals. Cardinal Health invests in continuous learning, ensuring you remain ahead of evolving healthcare laws and industry trends.

Pathways to Promotion

High performers often progress to General Counsel roles or specialized positions in regulatory affairs, M&A, or compliance leadership, leveraging Cardinal Health's expansive growth in specialty distribution.

Why Join Us

Choosing Cardinal Health means partnering with a healthcare powerhouse committed to integrity and innovation. You'll impact millions by safeguarding compliant pharmaceutical supply chains, negotiate multimillion-dollar agreements, and contribute to mission-critical operations. Enjoy a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, promotes work-life balance, and rewards excellence. In a field where precision matters, Cardinal Health equips you with resources to excel while offering stability in a nationwide capacity.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range for this position?

The disclosed salary is $135,400 - $208,100 USD per year, with potential upside based on qualifications and performance.

Is this role remote or field-based?

This is a US-Nationwide-FIELD position, offering flexibility across the United States.

What healthcare law experience is required?

Strong knowledge of AKS/Fraud & Abuse, Stark, Anti-Kickback, False Claims Act, HIPAA, and pharmaceutical distribution regulations is essential.

Does Cardinal Health support professional development?

Yes, through legal training, tuition reimbursement, and collaboration with industry experts.

Is travel required?

Yes, the ability to travel is necessary for this role.

Apply today to elevate your legal career at Cardinal Health. (Word count: 1,128)