General Counsel

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.

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.

• 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.