Vice President - General Counsel
Position Title: Vice President- General Counsel
Location: Houston, TX (On-site/Hybrid)
About the Position
The VP - General Counsel leads the legal department and oversees enterprise risk management, HIPAA compliance, corporate governance, internal audit, FTCA-related matters, and employee relations issues. The VP – General Counsel provides expert counsel to the C-suite, Board of Directors, and senior leaders on legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk-related matters impacting the organization and is instrumental in shaping a culture of compliance, integrity, and partnership across departments.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Strategy & Counsel- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the executive leadership team and Board on all legal and regulatory matters.
- Provide counsel on healthcare, corporate, employment, compliance, governance, contractual, and privacy matters.
- Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including HRSA, FTCA, HIPAA, and OSHA.
- Lead the enterprise risk management function, developing and implementing proactive strategies to reduce legal exposure.
- Serve as the organization’s HIPAA Privacy Officer; ensure adherence to HIPAA and patient confidentiality regulations.
- Oversee the internal audit function and ensure timely reporting of key findings to the CEO/ CHRO and Board of Directors.
- In partnership with the Human Resources department, oversees the handling of grievances, and investigations, including employee relations and patient-related matters.
- Ensure corporate governance practices are up-to-date and aligned with FQHC requirements and best practices.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors, attending meetings as needed and advising on the legal implications of strategic decisions.
- Review, update, and maintain compliance of corporate policies, procedures, and emergency preparedness plans.
- Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of agreements, including clinical, vendor, employment, real estate, IT, and HIPAA Business Associate Agreements.
- Support strategic initiatives, partnerships, and acquisitions with legal risk assessments and transactional guidance.
- Educate and train leaders and employees across the organization on key legal topics, including compliance, privacy, labor laws, and risk mitigation.
- Serve as a coach and resource to leaders navigating complex employee matters and investigations.
- Promote a culture of openness, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
- Serve as liaison to external counsel, governmental regulators, and industry associations.
- Lead legal responses to audits, surveys, inspections, and regulatory inquiries.
- Monitor emerging legislation, regulatory changes, and case law that may impact the organization.
- Manage peer review and provider credentialing and privileging processes.
- Support FTCA coverage processes, including claims management and credentialing.
- Coordinate OSHA compliance, including clinic site visits and safety planning.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Be a part of driving healthy change in our communities
About Legacy Community Health
Legacy Community Health is a premium, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides comprehensive care to community members regardless of their ability to pay. Our goal is to treat the entire patient while improving their overall wellness and quality of life, in addition to providing free pregnancy tests, HIV/AIDS screening. At Legacy, we empower patients to lead better lives by promoting healthy behaviors and offering resources such as literacy classes, family planning services, and nutrition and weight management information.
Our roots began in 1981 as the Montrose Clinic, with specialization in HIV education, testing, and treatment. Since then, the agency has expanded to >50 clinics in Houston, one in Baytown, two in Beaumont, and one in Deer Park with extensive services that include: Adult primary care, HIV/AIDS care, pediatrics, OB/GYN and maternity, dental, vision and behavioral health. We also service students within KIPP and YES Prep schools. Legacy is committed to driving healthy change in our communities.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active and in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
- At least 10 years of legal experience, with a significant portion in healthcare law.
- Demonstrated experience working in or advising Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
- Deep understanding of HIPAA, HRSA, FTCA, OSHA, and other regulatory frameworks applicable to community health.
- Proven track record in corporate law, employee relations, and governance.
- Previous experience training or coaching leaders on legal topics.
Core Employee Attributes:
At Legacy Community Health, our mission—Driving healthy change in our communities—guides everything we do. To fulfill this mission, every team member is expected to embody the following core attributes in their daily work, regardless of role or department:
Humble
- We bring our expertise without ego. In a collaborative healthcare environment, humility fosters trust and teamwork. Our employees value diverse perspectives, seek input from others, and are unafraid to acknowledge when they need help. We stay grounded in our purpose: to serve patients and communities with compassion and humility.
- We are driven by a deep commitment to excellence in patient care and organizational improvement. Our employees take initiative, embrace challenges, and go the extra mile to support our mission. Whether improving patient outcomes, streamlining processes, or stepping up in times of need, we are always striving to drive healthy change—within ourselves, our teams, and the communities we serve.
- We value emotional intelligence as much as clinical or technical skill. Our team members demonstrate sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism. They communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and colleagues, building trust and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all.
Additional Attributes
- Strong interpersonal skills; open, accessible, and empathetic
- Excellent communicator who can translate complex legal language into practical, actionable advice.
- Collaborative partner who builds trust across departments and levels.
- Committed to advancing equitable access to care and aligned with our mission-driven values.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Long-Term Disability insurance
- Life insurance and AD&D
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Subsidized gym membership
- 24-hour travel assistance
- Paid Time Off
- PTO Exchange Program
- Company holidays (9 days + 1 floating day)
- Bereavement Leave
- And more