Description:

Purpose: The general counsel is responsible for overseeing legal matters and providing legal advice, guidance, and support to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations to achieve the mission and purposes of A Government Entity. The general counsel will provide strategic insights and assist in managing risks and protecting A Government Entity's best interests.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide legal advice to the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee and to departments and committees of A Government Entity
Monitor and stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards that impact A Government Entity to anticipate and identify legal issues and assist in developing legal strategies and solutions
Provide guidance and compliance recommendations consistent with Keller v. State Bar of California and related cases as relevant to a unified state bar
Conduct legal research; prepare legal documents (including opinions, memoranda, briefs, reports); and provide legal interpretations, risk analyses, and solution-oriented recommendations in support of the operations, strategic mission, and purposes of A Government Entity
Oversee litigation matters, legal investigations, and other legal proceedings, working with external counsel when necessary
Recommend and monitor the work of outside counsel
Review, draft, and negotiate various contracts and agreements, including without limit, client contracts, vendor agreements, and partnership agreements. Ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions, protecting A Government Entity's interest
Recommend policy and procedure updates and assist with policy and procedure development
Participate in meetings of the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee, and other meetings of staff or members of A Government Entity, to address legal issues
Manage and coordinate special projects of strategic concern and/or legal importance to A Government Entity
Proactively look for solutions and better practices to mitigate risk and maximize legal rights
Prepare and manage an annual budget for risk management
Perform other duties as assigned by the executive director or Board of Governors

Required Education, Experience, and Skills: The General Counsel must be licensed to practice law in Missouri and be a member of A Government Entity in good standing (or be eligible for admission to practice in Missouri within a reasonable time after employment). A juris doctorate degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and ten or more years of experience practicing law are required. Five or more years of experience as a general counsel or in a senior legal leadership role are preferred. Understanding of corporate governance and demonstrated experience working with a governing body are also preferred. Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex legal issues, and provide practical solutions.

Strong organizational, verbal/written communication, and negotiation skills
Commitment to excellence with high level of integrity and ethical standards
Strong people skills, including the ability to be patient, discreet, and tactful and to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders
Knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations and current and developing legal issues and trends that might affect the policy and operations of A Government Entity
Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to the leadership of A Government Entity on a wide range of legal and policy issues
Ability to anticipate and analyze intersecting legal, regulatory, and operational issues in a variety of regulated and risk areas
Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions
Even temperament and ability to deliver unwelcome advice, deal with unhappy stakeholders, and manage challenging situations
Demonstrated leadership and experience managing or interacting with multiple workstreams and multiple departments or individuals
Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team
Working knowledge of legal and office technology (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams; Adobe Acrobat; and remote work technology) and willingness to learn evolving technology for purposes of effective administration
Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals, paraprofessionals, and consultants
Knowledge of the judicial system and procedures
Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements