As a doctor, you will likely encounter many contracts throughout your career. Whether an employment contract or a business deal for your practice, contracts are a common part of professional life that require careful review.

A contract lawyer can be an incredibly useful advisor as you navigate the legal documents you may encounter. Learn how these experts are equipped to help you below.

What is a contract lawyer?

A contract lawyer is a legal professional who drafts, manages and executes contracts between parties. While their main responsibilities include creating and revising legal contracts and documents, other potential responsibilities include: 

• Regulatory and compliance requirements
• Labor and employment issues
• Real estate transactions
• Mergers and acquisitions deals

When do doctors need a contract attorney?

Contract attorneys can be useful advisors throughout a doctor’s career. Let’s walk through some examples of when they can help:

When being hired…

Whether accepting your first job after residency or entering a new job well into your career, considering a new position can be both exciting and daunting. Hospitals and practices are businesses, which means they want to cater to their needs and create contracts that best suit them. 

An experienced contract lawyer — especially if they have experience working with doctors — can ensure your contract works for your needs and advise you on any areas for negotiation. Depending on the circumstances, a contract lawyer can negotiate with your employer on your behalf or coach you through your negotiation.

Aspects of a contract a lawyer will review: 

• Compensation & benefits
• Non-compete clauses
• Malpractice insurance provisions
• Termination processes
• Exit notice rules

Additionally, a tenured attorney with experience in your field may have knowledge of your prospective employer and the local healthcare market. If the attorney has worked with other employees of the company, they may have insight into what terms the employer may be willing to negotiate. Your attorney may also be able to provide input regarding whether the employer would be a good fit for you based on their experience and knowledge of the company’s competence, reputation and culture.

Understanding a non-compete agreement

Non-compete agreements are common in medical, dental and veterinary employment contracts, but doctors should be wary of accepting them without careful review. These clauses can restrict a doctor from working at a competing practice or starting their own practice within a certain geographical distance in a certain period of time. 

According to Medscape, nearly half of primary care physicians surveyed were bound by a non-compete clause. It is important to understand exactly how the terms could affect you before agreeing to them. Additionally, states have varying requirements for these covenants that a lawyer would have knowledge of and share that with you as you consider the offer.

When leaving a job…

Just like when beginning a job, leaving a job can have complications and stipulations. This is especially true if you did not thoroughly review your contract when starting the position. 

Many doctor contracts have a minimum length of time in the position. If you are wanting to leave before this time is up, a contract lawyer can help you understand how this may limit you and/or negotiate an exit.

When becoming a partner…

If you are considering partnership in an existing practice, entering into one without the help of a tenured contract lawyer could have lasting effects on your success and satisfaction at the practice. A contract lawyer will help you create or negotiate the terms of the partnership and follow the necessary legal procedures. 

Terms a contract lawyer will consider include: 

• How revenue will be shared
• How decision making is delegated
• If/When/How more doctors are added to the partnership

Additionally, these lawyers can help you draft legal documents like confidentiality forms, patient paperwork and a letter of intent. 

When owning a practice…

Contract lawyers can be helpful if you are a practice owner entering into agreements with various parties, including when purchasing your practice, hiring employees, entering into agreements with insurance providers, or contracting with suppliers or equipment rentals.

If you are drafting legal contracts or agreements for your business, a contract lawyer can ensure your contracts are free of any loopholes, are legally enforceable, and are admissible in court. 

Laws and regulations are changing regularly. A contract lawyer will keep your contract in line with the law and help you avoid any liabilities or risks. Expertly written contracts protect you from contract litigation and can further help you protect your practice.

Where to find a contract lawyer for doctors

Finding a trusted contract lawyer with experience working with doctors can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Build Your Team program was built for this need. We have trusted, vetted advisors in every field, including law, that can help you reach your goals.

Get connected to a contract lawyer you can trust for free by visiting our Build Your Team page. We are excited to assist you on the next step in your career!