Sandy DiFranco
CHAGRIN FALLS,Ohio
Summary
Accomplished Legal Director at Cleveland Clinic with expertise in both litigation management and healthcare compliance. Proven track record in mitigating organizational risk and leading litigation strategies. Adept at settlement negotiation and fostering team collaboration, ensuring ethical standards and operational excellence across clinical operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Director – Clinical Operations
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
04.2025 - Current
- Provides legal guidance on clinical policies, procedures, and operations across the health system.
- Supports enterprise-wide risk mitigation including EMTALA, informed consent, prescribing practices, scope of practice, advance directives, and mental health law.
- Advises on licensure, accreditation, medical staff issues, and general hospital operations.
- Oversees medical staff issues, peer review and credentialing for the enterprise.
- Provides guidance on ethical issues under Ohio law.
- Manages investigations and responses to subpoenas from state licensing boards and government entities in OH, FL, and NV.
Senior Counsel
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
01.2008 - 03.2025
- Oversaw enterprise litigation and guided employees on risk management matters.
- Oversaw docket of over 75 pending medical malpractice, medical privacy, general liability, sexual battery, and class action lawsuits for over 15 years.
- Subject matter expert in negotiating settlements with opposing counsel.
- Performed extensive work in all phases of the civil lawsuit lifecycle including: Investigation, assessment, and negotiation of pre-suit claims utilizing nursing background.
- Protected the interests of non-defendant employees during depositions to ensure accurate representation.
- Acted as primary legal contact for Ombudsman Department, providing clarity in legal matters and addressing concerns.
- Legal liaison to the Ethics Committee, Child Protection Team, Institutional Review Board, and Workplace Violence Committee.
Counsel
Tucker Ellis
Cleveland, USA
05.2002 - 01.2008
- Advised clients on complex legal matters and risk management strategies.
- Represented hospitals, nurses, dentists, and pharmaceutical companies across various litigation areas.
- Conducted legal research to support case development and strategy formulation.
Education
Juris Doctor -
CLEVELAND MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW
CLEVELAND, OH05-2002
Bachelor of Science -
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
TOLEDO, OH05-1994
Skills
- Manage litigation
- Risk management
- Settlement negotiation
- Healthcare compliance
- Healthcare operations
- Medical staff issues
- Policy writing
- Team collaboration
Licenses And Admissions
- Ohio Bar No. 0087016, The Supreme Court of Ohio, 02/01/03
- Ohio Board of Nursing RN.252585
Timeline
Legal Director – Clinical Operations
Cleveland Clinic
04.2025 - Current
Senior Counsel
Cleveland Clinic
01.2008 - 03.2025
Counsel
Tucker Ellis
05.2002 - 01.2008
Juris Doctor -
CLEVELAND MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW
Bachelor of Science -
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO