General Counsel

The AAO is a professional association of educationally qualified orthodontic specialists dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting the practice of orthodontics. The AAO is comprised of more than 19,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. The specialty of orthodontics is the oldest and largest dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association.

Position Summary:

Works with and at the direction of the AAO’s CEO, Board of Trustees, and volunteer leadership to build and execute the AAO’s initiatives and projects. Part of the executive team that implements the AAO’s strategic plan and accompanying policies and programs. Provides legal counsel to the AAO and its related entities in multiple areas, including business law, intellectual property law, contract law, antitrust law, association law, non-profit law, insurance law, and employment law. Oversees the AAO’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels and serves as staff liaison, treasurer, and fundraiser for the AAO’s Political Action Committee. Manages the AAO’s Legal and Advocacy Department and its staff to provide legal and advocacy support to the AAO and its related entities.

Essential Functions:

Oversee the AAO’s Legal and Advocacy Department and manage its projects, team members, and budget.

Work with colleagues on the AAO’s team and staff to review and provide sound legal advice on various issues, legal documents, pleadings, and projects.

Provide legal counsel to the AAO, Board of Trustees, and House of Delegates.

Administer and manage the AAO's Component Legal Support Fund (CLSF) and its budget, which provides advocacy and lobbying support to local orthodontic groups throughout North America as it concerns their regulatory challenges to various dental laws and regulations.

Represent and lobby for the AAO in Washington, DC and various states as it concerns policy objectives for orthodontists. Set-up meetings, attend functions, and form relationships with numerous politicians, staffers, stakeholders, lobbyists, and other associations to promote the AAO’s agenda.

Oversee and serve as the Treasurer of the AAO's Political Action Committee (AAOPAC) And create and execute various fundraising efforts. Work with the AAO’s Council on Governmental Affairs and plan and run the AAO’s annual Professional Advocacy Conference.

Help foster and build relationships with orthodontic residents, members, and similarly aligned entities, such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and other dental specialty groups.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required

Juris Doctor (JD) required

Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri or ability to acquire license

Minimum of 10 years of legal experience preferred (in a non-profit, association or advocacy role preferred)

Team leadership experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Team leader who can meet established goals

Ability to develop and execute strategy and policies

Comprehensive knowledge of pertinent law in a wide range of areas, including contract law, health law, regulatory law, litigation, employment law, intellectual property law, and others (ex. Teledentistry)

Ability to quickly and thoroughly analyze facts and complex concepts to determine legal risk and options for handling

Ability to take on ne subjects, lifelong learner

Agile, change agent for team and association

Strong interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills

Effective at legal research and providing legal counsel

Ability to facilitate, prioritize, and manage multiple projects

Relationship building skills

Demonstrated high level of honesty, integrity and ethical behavior

Ability to work in a highly confidential environment

Comfortable presenting in front of large and small groups

Ability to perform budget forecasting and managing budgets

Creative in the ability to solve a variety of different legal problems using research and logic.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions. Occasional travel required, typically one trip annually of 5-8 days duration. Requires ability to lift, pack and unpack boxes of supplies. Also requires ability to be on one’s feet for long periods (10-hour days) during an annual conference at a hotel or convention center facility.

Benefits for full time employees

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

HRA and FSA

401K retirement plan, discretionary pay incentive

Vacation and Sick time, paid holidays

Volunteer time

Short and Long-Term Disability Income

Maternity and Parental Leave

Term Life and AD&D Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness support

Continuing Education

Tuition Reimbursement

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

Legal: 10 years (Preferred)

Required travel:

25% (Required)

Additional Compensation:

Other forms

Work Location:

One location

Benefits:

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Professional development assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Day shift