Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

Define Attorney Parameters and Set a Budget When you hire an attorney to reviewyour agreement, the attorney will naturally seek as many favorable changes for you as possible. Candidates should feel a sense of protection and confidence when hiring an attorney. However, unless you define the role of your attorney and set a budget, your attorney may spend more time than is warranted trying to achieve results that are unlikely. Todd Skertich, managing partner of Arlington HealthCare, a physician recruitment firm, states, “The dynamics of a candidate hiring an attorney to represent them in the contract review process can be tricky. Candidates often feel a sense of obligation to negotiate the language of the agreement based on the recommendations of their attorney. Be aware this can cause contention with your future employer, especially if all their employed physicians have signed the same agreement or if the requests are unreasonable or insignificant. When this happens, it’s common for the tone of the working relationship between the employer and physician to shift quickly and possibly derail the placement. In some cases, the candidate will end up signing a similar contract at the candidate’s second or third choice employer. Ultimately, the candidate needs to determine whether or not to request changes to the contract.” Pricing: The amount of time an attorney spends on reviewing your agreement depends on: 1. The length of the contract 2. Type and detail of review 3. Pricing model Fixed Priced Options: Some attorneys and companies who specialize in physician contract review offer options with specific prices based on the level of service you choose. This model makes it easy for the candidate because the deliverables are already outlined in the package options. Legal review packages start at $250 for a basic review. Hourly Rates: Most traditional attorneys charge a flat fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 per hour. Hiring an attorney to review an employment contract may cost you thousands of dollars unless you can set forth parameters acceptable to you and your attorney. Prior to selecting an attorney, it is important that you clearly communicate your needs and expectations and establish a clear understanding of the attorney’s services and expenses. This should include the attorney’s estimated fee for standard contract review. A lack of clear expectations could be expensive. Regardless of whether you use a traditional attorney or a legal service with set options, being CLEAR and PRECISE with your attorney regarding your needs and expectations is the best way to avoid inefficiency or misunderstandings. Think of this process the way you approach a new, complex patient in your practice: Approach the encounter with a goal in mind and take the time to document your findings and plan for that patient in a clear, concise manner. What you get out of this encounter is reflective of the time and planning you put into it! When you forward an agreement for review, include any other correspondence or documentation provided by the employer including forms, policies, etc. Also, provide a deadline for review so that you can respond to the employer within the required time period. Communicate efficiently with your attorney and limit the number of phone calls and emails you initiate. Unless you agree on a flat rate per contract review, you will be billed for each email reviewed and each time you speak with your attorney. Make a list of questions and concerns and address them in one session. SECTION III: T MINUS ONE YEAR CAREER AND LIFE PLANNING GUIDEBOOK FOR MEDICAL RESIDENTS 324