Staff Attorney

job summary:

The Staff is responsible for providing legal support services as a practicing attorney with a primary focus on contract, policy, and grant review.

The Staff Attorney must be able to translate complex legal requirements into practical, business-oriented guidance and serve as a problem-solver for internal stakeholders. This position operates within established legal frameworks, escalating complex or high-risk issues as appropriate, while contributing to a high-performing, service-oriented legal team committed to excellence.

WHO WILL THRIVE HERE:

• An attorney who can translate legal complexity into clear, practical business guidance.
• A problem-solver who looks for workable solutions, not just legal risks.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative team member who values being part of a customer service-oriented legal team that supports internal stakeholders.
• Someone who is committed to high standards, continuous improvement, and excellence in legal operations.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Legal Affairs

• Conduct legal research on assigned matters (such as privacy and employment law) and provide clear, concise, and practical summaries.
• Provide guidance related to changes in laws and regulations, which may impact the health care industry in general and FCS specifically.
• Provide responsive, solutions-oriented support that translates legal requirements into operational guidance for internal departments.
• Develop legal training materials and lead internal legal education efforts.
• Supports departmental operations through the execution of additional responsibilities, projects, and initiatives as assigned.

Contract Drafting and Review

• Draft, review, and revise contracts, agreements, and amendments.
• Review grants drafted by the Grants Department.
• Identify legal risk in contracts and recommend practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Escalate non-standard or high-risk contract terms as appropriate.
• Draft templates and standard contract language.

Court Matters

• Review and respond to subpoenas and court orders served on the agency or agency staff.
• Act as the agency contact for external attorneys requesting staff testimony or medical records.
• Prepare employees for court appearances or deposition testimony.

Policy Review and Compliance

• Conduct legal review of draft policies and procedures to identify.
• Legal and regulatory risks and provide clear, actionable revisions.
• Translate legal standards into accessible, business-friendly policy language.

EDUCATION:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of legal experience, preferably in healthcare law, transactional law, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and drafting contracts and legal documents.

PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:

• Communication
• Decision Making
• Engagement
• Initiative and Accountability
• Interpersonal
• Learning
• Organizational Alignment
• Quality of Work

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Required:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer service-oriented approach to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred:

• Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or other regulated environments, including familiarity with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CMS, OHCA, and ODMHSAS.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to assess risk and provide practical, business-oriented guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Experience reviewing contracts and policies for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working with internal stakeholders in an in-house or service-oriented legal environment.
• Familiarity with legal processes, including subpoenas, medical records requests, and contract lifecycle or project management tools.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• Admission to the Oklahoma Bar Association required (may be acquired after hire)
• Must possess a valid Driver License and satisfactory driving record and use personal automobile to travel to locations other than primary office. Proof of automobile insurance required.