General Counsel

At A-dec, we do more than create the highest quality products and services for the dental industry; we strive to deliver a superior employment experience for each of our team members. With an environment that encourages and assists each person in developing to their highest potential, a career at A-dec is incredibly rewarding.

Overview

The General Counsel (GC) will manage legal matters for the organization and affiliated entities, including all litigation defense coordination, intellectual property, business development, contracting, unfair trade practices, anti-trust, corporate governance, and the coordination of legal matters managed by outside counsel. GC will provide legal advice to management, provide counsel on negotiating corporate transactions, and prepare related documentation. Provide strong leadership, guidance, and pragmatic business acumen, recognizing the business consequences of legal advice. GC is a strategic and innovative thinker who can develop and articulate a clear understanding of the company’s strategy from all perspectives and find creative solutions to complex legal problems with a strong ability to balance legal and business risk.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Corporate Governance & Strategy

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the executive leadership team on corporate governance and risk management.
• Oversee corporate governance matters, including board support, entity management, and compliance with applicable corporate laws.
• Support business development, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions from due diligence through integration.
• Preparation for Board meetings, serve as acting Secretary in Board of Director’s meetings, and prepare all necessary Board and Shareholder documents.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Partner with corporate regulatory leaders to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws and regulations applicable to medical/dental devices, manufacturing, quality systems, and global distribution.
• Interface with corporate regulatory leaders to manage regulatory risk and ensure compliance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide compliance policies and training programs.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including supplier, distributor, licensing, manufacturing, and customer contracts.
• Support global sales and supply chain operations with practical, business-focused legal guidance.
• Establish contract standards and processes to improve efficiency and risk management.

Intellectual Property

• Oversee protection, management, and enforcement of the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
• Work with internal teams and external counsel on IP strategy aligned with product development and global expansion.

Litigation & Risk Management

• Manage all litigation, disputes, and claims, including product liability and commercial matters.
• Select and manage outside counsel, controlling costs and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Oversee risk mitigation strategies.

Legal Operations

• Build and lead the legal function, including internal staff and external legal resources.
• Develop budgets, manage legal spend, and improve legal operations and processes.
• Foster a culture of ethics, compliance, and sound risk judgment across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
• Deep understanding of regulatory, compliance and quality requirements in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with high ethical standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with business clients and proactively become involved in business initiatives.
• Ability to interact effectively with associates at all levels in all businesses across North America and in countries where A-dec has a presence.
• Ability to interface and negotiate with legal representatives at dealers and suppliers.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Good listening skills.
• Skilled at working independently and leading critical matters to conclusion with little supervision, while coordinating with other attorneys and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly establish trust and rapport within A-dec.
• Strong leadership skills to manage projects and influence decisions, with the ability to be persuasive in reinforcing the best interests of the company.
• Understands business implications of decisions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Travel, including internationally as needed, to perform the duties of the job.
• Expert legal document drafting and research skills.

Education and Experience

• Requires Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Must be a member of the bar in good standing; admission to Oregon state bar preferred.
• 10+ years of legal experience in a relevant law firm or corporate setting.

Preferred Experience

• Experience as Associate, Assistant, or General Counsel.
• Experience in medical devices, pharmaceutical or other healthcare-related experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing business.
• Experience in global business with international distribution.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not to be construed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A-dec reserves the right to assign job duties and days and hours of work based on factors such as workload requirements, staffing levels, and customer demands.

At A-dec, we value our people and show it by prioritizing an inclusive culture, total well-being, and opportunities for learning and career advancement.

A background check and screen for the illegal use of drugs is required.

A-dec is interested in qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States for US-based positions. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.