Chief Legal Counsel – Cannabis Compliance

RI Council 94; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 118,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is seeking a Chief of Legal Services to oversee all legal operations, provide strategic legal guidance, and supervise a staff of attorneys and support personnel. The role requires strong expertise in Rhode Island law, regulatory drafting, and enforcement oversight.

The position reports to senior leadership, defends agency actions in court, and shapes policy through legal strategy, with responsibilities spanning compliance programs, enforcement actions,

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience supervising a legal services program.
• Membership in good standing with the Rhode Island Bar.
• Ability to interpret Rhode Island General Laws and prepare opinions.
• Ability to draft rules and regulations having the force of law.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Cannabis Office’s chief legal compliance and enforcement officer.
• Provide daily legal guidance to the Administrator, Chief Regulatory Officer, and Cannabis Office staff.
• Lead internal legal meetings on inspection, compliance, and enforcement.
• Manage enforcement proceedings, including pre-hearing conferences, discovery, hearings.
• Defend the Administrator, Cannabis Office, and staff in litigation and administrative actions.
• Develop strategies and procedures to address compliance issues identified by auditors.
• Advise on administrative penalties, including fines, suspensions, and revocations.
• Draft enforcement documents (Deficiency Notices, Corrective Action Notices, Consent Agreements, and Orders to Show Cause).
• Identify gaps in enforcement and develop guidance and notices.
• Participate in meetings with leadership and licensees regarding investigations.
• Review correspondence requiring legal oversight.
• Manage APRA requests.
• Research legal issues and prepare memoranda, briefs, and legal opinions.
• Collaborate with Cannabis Office and Commission staff to improve agency functions.

Skills

Independent judgement

Legal opinions

Drafting regulations

Staff supervision

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree

Job description

Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is seeking a Chief of Legal Services to oversee all legal operations, provide strategic legal guidance, and supervise a staff of attorneys and support personnel. The role requires strong expertise in Rhode Island law, regulatory drafting, and enforcement oversight.

The position reports to senior leadership, defends agency actions in court, and shapes policy through legal strategy, with responsibilities spanning compliance programs, enforcement actions,