Top 10 Health Law Jobs In Demand Right Now

There is an entire realm of career possibilities within the healthcare industry, including healthcare law jobs. The good news is that careers in medical law remain in demand as healthcare laws evolve and technology advances.¹

Naturally, each of these areas requires legal guidance and oversight to support and protect patients, providers, manufacturers, and related stakeholders. That means the legal field itself is rich with opportunity.

Keep reading to discover the most in-demand health law jobs and the education you need to open doors.

Is Health Law an In-Demand Field?

The legal field overall is growing. Demand for lawyers is expected to increase 4% from 2024 to 2034, slightly above the employment growth rate for all jobs.¹ Health law is growing as well and will likely remain an in-demand specialty. U.S. healthcare expenditures are expected to reach $8.6 trillion by 2033.² This may lead to opportunities for those who work in healthcare in law-adjacent roles, such as compliance management.

The more healthcare evolves, the more complicated policy and compliance become. Emerging medical technologies, such as genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, present new legal challenges and regulations.

Health law professionals are critical in creating new regulations that protect patients and in guiding organizations to remain compliant. For legal professionals, that means rewarding medical law careers beyond traditional law firm roles.

Most In-Demand Positions in Health Law

Legal jobs in healthcare continue to emerge as the industry advances and makes new technological discoveries. The most in-demand positions involve privacy law, health policy, general compliance, regulatory matters, and fraud.

1. Compliance Officer

Noncompliance with health laws or regulations can lead to patient harm or costly penalties for organizations. Compliance officers alert leaders to organizational problems or weaknesses and suggest ways to fulfill regulatory and legal requirements.³

This is typically a leadership position and involves:³

• Creating policies and procedures
• Assessing risks
• Auditing compliance programs 
• Investigating violations
• Training staff on compliance

2. Health Information Privacy Specialist

Privacy specialists are experts in privacy and data protection law.⁴ As most health information is now digital, the risk of unauthorized access or inappropriate use is higher. Privacy specialists make sure this information stays protected according to health law standards.

Key responsibilities include overseeing privacy procedures, investigating complaints or violations, and updating policies. You may also:

• Train staff on handling sensitive information
• Discipline staff
• Report breaches to regulatory bodies

3. Healthcare Policy Analyst 

As the US population ages, the need for medical care increases in an already complex system.⁵ Policy analysts are essential in shaping laws and regulations that make public health programs sustainable.⁶

Analysts research public health issues, trends, and policies, and recommend improvements.⁷ Research may assess whether existing policies solve identified problems or analyze emerging trends to recommend changes that reduce costs while improving outcomes.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists help pharmaceutical and medical device companies bring safe products to market.⁸ They provide technical and legal guidance on government approval processes and help organizations navigate federal requirements.

Responsibilities may include:⁸

• Preparing documents for the FDA
• Advising on scientific requirements
• Creating safety monitoring programs
• Acting as a liaison between regulatory bodies and companies

5. Healthcare Risk Manager

Healthcare risk managers help organizations prevent regulatory violations that could result in fines, penalties, or other legal consequences.⁹ However, this role isn’t about avoiding trouble; it’s also about increasing healthcare quality and safety.

As a risk manager, you will:⁹

• Assess risk
• Estimate potential harm
• Identify strategies to lower risk
• Train staff 
• Create or adjust policies
• Review and amend contracts

6. Bioethics Consultant

New technology and medical advances, like genetic engineering or genome mapping, bring novel ethical issues to consider.¹⁰ Consultants help medical experts in research, clinical care, or policy uphold ethics and solve moral quandaries.

Primary duties involve:¹⁰

• Directing organizations on ethical decision-making
• Counseling governments on health policies
• Performing medical research
• Creating ethics training

7. Healthcare Fraud Investigator

The U.S. loses 3% to 10% of healthcare spending to fraud and abuse.¹¹ Fraud investigators examine healthcare billing practices for fake bills, unnecessary services, kickbacks, or false claims.¹²

Investigators may work for insurance companies or governments to:¹³

• Audit claims and documents
• Interview providers and patients
• Report findings
• Collaborate with law enforcement and lawyers
• Testify in court

8. Telemedicine Legal Advisor

Digital health and telemedicine are now standard and are expected to increase due to staff shortages.¹⁴ However, every state has individual laws around consent, internet prescribing, and licensing.

A telemedicine legal advisor is one of many healthcare law jobs evolving with digital advances, helping providers and organizations stay compliant.¹⁵

You may:

• Advise providers on state-to-state regulations
• Monitor for compliance
• Draft consent documents and waivers.

9. Medical Regulatory Counsel

Regulatory counsel typically serves as an in-house legal professional.¹⁶ Because the U.S. invests heavily in medtech, device manufacturers must navigate a complex approval and registration process.¹⁷

The role involves:¹⁶

• Creating and submitting documents to regulatory bodies 
• Reviewing practices for compliance
• Advising on navigating regulations

10. Healthcare Contract Negotiator

Healthcare contract negotiators help organizations secure favorable agreements with insurers, vendors, suppliers, and other partners in a complex reimbursement environment.¹⁸

Typical duties include:

• Meeting with insurance providers
• Reviewing contracts
• Negotiating terms
• Drafting or amending contract language

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Health Law?

A Master of Arts in Health Law is an advanced degree that unlocks leadership opportunities in health policy, compliance, and regulatory affairs. Graduates of a master’s program can enhance career prospects in roles such as:

• Healthcare policy analyst
• Regulatory affairs specialist
• Compliance officers

Elevate Your Legal Career in Health Law With Hofstra

Health law is as complex as the healthcare industry itself, and legal professionals need top-tier education to meet the demands. Hofstra University’s online Master of Arts in Health Law and Policy combines comprehensive legal education with real-world application to develop skills in a sophisticated landscape. Earn your degree in as few as 24 months by taking classes that fit into your schedule.

Not sure if you’re ready for a master’s program? Consider the online Graduate Certificate in Health Law and Policy. Credits earned during this eight-month program seamlessly transfer into the full MA program. This low-risk pathway allows you to experience our program while enhancing your resume from day one.

No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll acquire the expertise and skills to master regulatory frameworks and compliance and accelerate your career opportunities. Schedule a call with an admissions advisor to explore the program and begin advancing your career. Or, if you’re ready, get started on your application.