Strategic General Counsel — Behavioral Health

Behavioral-Health-Response; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Response (BHR) is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as its in-house legal expert. The role advises leadership on all legal matters across the organization, supporting both nonprofit and for-profit initiatives in a dynamic behavioral health environment.

You will oversee regulatory compliance, drafting and negotiating contracts, and managing external counsel across multiple states and international jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with US license.
• Active license to practice law in the United States.
• At least 7 years of broad legal experience in nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
• Experience in multi-state and international business law and HR/employment law.
• Strong drafting, review, and contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage external counsel and complex projects.
• Experience with behavioral health organizations preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.
• High ethical standards and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic counsel to CEO and leadership.
• Oversee legal matters for nonprofit and for-profit activities.
• Oversee legal operations across states and international jurisdictions.
• Guide employment law and HR matters, including policies and investigations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and clients.
• Support risk management, privacy, and data security.
• Manage external counsel for specialized matters.
• Stay current on regulatory trends affecting behavioral health.
• Educate leadership and staff on legal and compliance requirements.
• Lead or participate in special projects.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation skills

Regulatory compliance

Cross-border legal

Leadership communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active license to practice law in the United States

Job description

Behavioral Health Response (BHR) is seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as its in-house legal expert. The role advises leadership on all legal matters across the organization, supporting both nonprofit and for-profit initiatives in a dynamic behavioral health environment.

You will oversee regulatory compliance, drafting and negotiating contracts, and managing external counsel across multiple states and international jurisdictions.