Description

Job Description: General Counsel

JOB TITLE:General Counsel

REPORTS TO:Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

LOCATION:Support Office

CLASSIFICATION:Exempt

CREATED:January 31, 2017

REVISED:May 19, 2023
JOB PURPOSE

The General Counsel is an executive position and, as such, leads the Company's in-house Legal Department. The General Counsel supports various internal business units and manages other Legal Department and Real Estate Department employees. The General Counsel must possess a broad corporate skill set encompassing a range of responsibilities, including labor and employment law, healthcare law, commercial contracts and transactions (e.g., nondisclosure and vendor agreements), real estate law, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
ESSENTIAL Duties and Responsibilities

• Primarily responsible for providing continuing legal advice, guidance and possible implications on all legal matters, as well as engaging and managing outside counsel.
• Provide legal support and advice in connection with labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining agreements, employment agreements, corporate employment policies, enforcement of non-compete agreements, confidentiality and trade secret provisions, wage and hour requirements and job classification issues, and wage garnishment claims.
• Fluent in business transaction law, including corporate entity formation, dissolution, restructuring and annual renewals for both domestic and foreign entities. Knowledge of equity purchase and buyout transactions of corporate entities.
• Participation in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs.
• Responsible for strategic management of employment-related claims, including investigation of labor-related charges, drafting of position statements, and negotiating the resolution of disputed claims.
• Partner closely with the Human Resources Department and organization and business leaders, providing advice and counsel in connection with potential disciplinary actions, terminations, and other employment actions.
• Research and advise on regulatory matters and healthcare laws, such as Stark, Anti Kickback, HIPAA, etc.
• Draft, review and provide advice on real estate matters, leases and general commercial contracts.
• Review, draft and negotiate substantial commercial contracts, and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Stay abreast of relevant laws and regulations impacting the dental care industry.
• Represent the Company in various legal matters, including but not limited to small claims, breach of contract claims (lawsuits and interoffice providers), settlement negotiations, arbitration, mediation, and various other litigation as arises.
• Provide expert and strategic legal guidance to the executive staff on alI matters that affect the Company.
• Manage the Legal Department and Real Estate Department staff, vendors, and outside counsel.
• Offer counsel on a variety of legal issues as it pertains to the Company.
• Anticipate issues and estimate risks strategically.
• Additional projects and/or responsibilities as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION)

• A minimum of ten (10) years experience as an attorney, ideally including both in-house and large law firm experience.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law or authorized in-house counsel in the State of Florida.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Management experience must include managing and overseeing the work of other attorneys and paralegals.
• Experience in the healthcare industry is also required for this position.
• Must be a team-oriented lawyer who possesses a strong work ethic and seriousness of purpose; who takes initiative but doesn't cut corners; and who can work professionally, independently and confidently while following the Company's guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The General Counsel works in areas that are highly visible and designed and furnished to make a good impression. Work stations are clean, well-lighted, and relatively quiet.

WORKING CONDITIONS

X

INSIDE: Spends approximately 95% or more of time inside. Inside work area has good ventilation, comfortable temperature.

OUTSIDE: Spends approximately 5% of time outside.

WORK POSITIONS (defined in 10% increments of work time)

80%

Stationary

10%

Standing, lifting and/or bending

10%

Move, traverse

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

X

SEDENTARY WORK: Lifting 10 lbs. maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying articles.

LIGHT WORK: Lifting 20 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

MEDIUM WORK: Lifting 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

HEAVY WORK: Lifting 100 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

VERY HEAVY WORK: Lifting objects in excess of 100 lbs. with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 50 lbs. or more.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Frequency

Activity / Task

Physical Requirement

Frequent

Operating office equipment (computers, scanners)

Acuity of vision - Near; have good manual dexterity

Frequent

Answering telephones, participating in online and in-person meetings

Hearing acuity, clear speaking voice

Some

Lifting/Carrying

Have good manual dexterity

Some

Pushing/Pulling

Have good hand-eye-foot coordination

Some

Lifting above head/shoulders

Ability to perceive depth

Some

Stooping/Kneeling/Bending

Perform repetitive tasks/motions

HAZARDS

Frequency

Item

Occupational exposure

Exposure to dust/fumes

Occupational exposure

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Occupational exposure

Exposure to communicable diseases

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but is not limited to these duties; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.