Legal & Advocacy Staff Counsel

Position title: Legal & Advocacy Staff Counsel

Department: AAO Legal & Advocacy         

FLSA   Exempt                       Status: Full-Time

Reports to:   General Counsel

About AAO:   

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.   

Purpose (position summary):

This position is based in the AAO office located in St. Louis, Missouri, and reports directly to the General Counsel. The Legal & Advocacy Staff Counsel will work as part of the AAO’s Legal and Advocacy Department with responsibilities to include providing legal guidance to AAO members, supporting advocacy efforts, advising on risk management, and reviewing contracts and publications to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This position offers a valuable opportunity for a junior to mid-level attorney to develop in-house legal experience in a dynamic professional association. For a candidate who excels in the role and demonstrates the necessary skills and expertise, there may be opportunities for growth into a more senior position as the department’s needs evolve.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Perform functions of in-house counsel as assigned, including contract drafting and assessment, research of legal matters pertaining to professional associations and the practice of orthodontics (and healthcare generally), review of AAO publications, authoring legal communications with outside parties, managing projects and litigation referred to outside counsel, maintaining and updating the organization’s bylaws, rules, and policies, and more.
• Provide guidance and develop resources for members on legal and practice management issues.
• Offers appropriate and well-researched legal advice and opinion to the General Counsel, staff and AAO leadership to ensure that decisions are made with all relevant information available to reduce risk to the Association.
• Advises AAO staff regarding legal risk and compliance matters related to their responsibilities and functions.
• Proactively monitors and reviews legal risks to the AAO and assesses and addresses as appropriate to ensure general legal, regulatory and statutory compliance.
• Serve as the staff co-liaison for the Council on Orthodontic Benefits, including supporting the Dental Benefits Advisory Service Helpdesk.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory activity, including proposed and pending legislation/regulations, and collaborate with AAO Advocacy staff to engage with relevant government officials and stakeholders including legislators, regulatory board members, and other government employees.
• Attend state dental board meetings, legislative hearings, and professional association meetings as needed to advocate AAO interests.
• Present the Resident Legal Course at orthodontic programs across the country.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1-3 years of legal or equivalent legislative/regulatory experience preferred.
• Prior experience in the health care industry and knowledge of its laws/regulations a plus

Education and/or Experience:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in Missouri or eligible to obtain an in-house counsel license in Missouri post-hire.

Skills and Abilities:  

• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Responsive, proactive, ability to balance competing priorities with attention to staff and member needs.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining broad vision of the organization’s mission and values.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical guidance.
• A proactive, a “can-do” approach to problem-solving and risk management.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Sedentary inside office work at AAO headquarters with limited exposure to weather conditions. Hybrid remote/in-person work environment. Frequent travel may be required, typically one or two trips a month and up to 25% throughout the year. Meetings can and will take place during nights and weekends. 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 the AAO Annual Session, AAO’s Professional Advocacy Conference and other meetings at a hotel or convention center facility.

Benefits for full-time employees

• Hybrid Work Environment
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401K retirement plan
• Vacation and Sick time, paid holidays
• Short and Long-Term Disability Income
• Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness support
• Tuition Reimbursement