Position Available: General Counsel for Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama

Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama

General Counsel Posting

Position Summary

The General Counsel (GC) serves as the chief legal advisor to the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama (BDEA). This individual ensures compliance with all applicable laws, including the Alabama Dental Practice Act, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, the Open Meetings Act, the Open Records Act, and relevant ethics and examiners statutes. The GC is employed upon recommendation by the Board and approval through appointment of the Office of the Attorney General after being granted Deputy Attorney General (DAG) status.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as the Board’s chief legal advisor on statutory interpretation, administrative law, and regulatory compliance.
  • Attend all public meetings and executive sessions as legal counsel to the Board and be available for disciplinary hearings and related legal deliberations when appropriate.
  • Oversee and review the legal sufficiency of disciplinary hearing procedures.
  • Ensure the Board’s actions comply with state law, due process, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, and other relevant statutes.
  • Provide real-time legal guidance to the Board during agency actions requiring legal interpretation.
  • Assist in drafting and reviewing Board rules, policies, contracts, and memoranda of understanding in alignment with the collective intent and direction of the full Board.
  • Coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office and advise the Board on legal developments affecting professional licensing and healthcare regulation.
  • Conduct legal research and provide formal or informal legal opinions to support the Board’s decision-making.
  • Train Board members on legal responsibilities, ethics obligations, and open meeting requirements as needed.
  • Represent the Board in state court on administrative appeal matters.

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree
  • In good standing with the Alabama State Bar.
  • Minimum of 5 years of legal experience.
  • Experience in administrative and/or regulatory law.
  • Familiarity with health law, state licensing procedures, and professional discipline.
  • Strong communication, drafting, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience advising or representing a regulatory board or public agency. (Preferred)

 

Compensation

  • Hourly rate may not exceed $195/hour, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Governor.
  • Annual or cumulative caps may apply based on state budgetary guidelines or Board policy.
  • Any contract will be submitted to the Legislative Contract Review Committee for approval by the Committee and the Governor.

 

Appointment Process

  • The Board will vet and interview qualified candidates.
  • The final candidate will be selected by the Board and recommended to the Alabama Attorney General for designation as DAG for employment.

This role is central to ensuring that the BDEA operates within the boundaries of law and provides fair, transparent, and legally sound governance in the regulation of dental professionals in the state of Alabama.