Legal Counsel - Regulatory / General Law - Houston, TX

Company Overview

Empower is a visionary healthcare company committed to providing quality, affordable medication to millions of patients across the nation. We hold the distinguished position of being the largest 503A compounding pharmacy and FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility in the country serving the functional medicine markets.

What sets us apart is our relentless focus on three core values: People, Quality and Service. Our dedicated team of professionals collaboratively works to break new ground in the fields of manufacturing, distribution and quality control, providing a uniquely integrated approach to healthcare. Leveraging our vertical integration of the pharmaceutical supply chain, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to excellence, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medication accessibility and affordability.

You're not just starting a job; you're joining a mission. We believe in empowering our team to innovate, grow, and drive real change in the healthcare industry. If you're a forward-thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, transformative environment, Empower is the place for you. Here, you'll be encouraged to share your ideas, expand your skill set, and contribute to projects that genuinely make a difference. We prioritize the well-being of our team members, and we offer a supportive and engaging workplace where your contributions are not just recognized but celebrated.

Let's revolutionize healthcare, together. Join us and be a part of something extraordinary.

Position Summary

At Empower Pharmacy, the role of Legal Counsel Regulatory & General Law plays a pivotal part in safeguarding our operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing strategic legal guidance that upholds our commitment to excellence in healthcare. This position is not merely about navigating legal intricacies, but about championing our core values of people, service, quality, and innovation through expert legal counsel. As a key advisor to our General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, you will influence critical decisions that shape our regulatory strategy and mitigate associated risks, thereby contributing directly to the integrity and success of our organization.

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of legal disciplines, from managing regulatory affairs and overseeing compliance initiatives to coordinating legal proceedings and maintaining relationships with external counsel. You will play a pivotal role in shaping Empower's legal landscape, ensuring alignment with federal and state regulations while proactively addressing emerging issues and policy changes. Your expertise will extend across diverse legal domains including litigation, contracts, corporate governance, and intellectual property, reinforcing our legal framework with precision and foresight.

Joining Empower means joining a team dedicated to producing innovative medications that enhance lives and improve healthcare outcomes. We are committed to expanding access to quality, affordable medication while adhering to the highest ethical standards and legal compliance. If you are a driven legal professional passionate about making a meaningful impact in a dynamic and growing industry, we invite you to apply. Together, we can continue to lead in healthcare innovation and uphold our mission of empowering healthier, happier lives through responsible and visionary legal stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel in managing regulatory and general law matters involving Empower Pharmacy.
• Provides expert and strategic legal updates and advice to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on regulatory matters and associated risks.
• Contributes to regulatory proceedings and other necessary legal activities as needed.
• Manages outside counsel relationships and invoices.
• Coordinates and assists Empower's Legal Team as necessary for investigations, anticipated or ongoing litigation, or other legal matters.
• Coordinates and assists Empower's Government Affairs Department and Compliance Department.
• Assists in maintaining company-wide legal compliance according to relevant laws, standards, and regulations; assists with regulatory inspections and reports.
• Oversees federal and state regulatory issues to ensure that Empower adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Reviews Empower policies based on forthcoming regulatory changes and provides proactive guidance on the law and regulations.
• Engages comprehensively in legal tasks and matters including but not limited to litigation, contracts/agreements, labor & employment, immigration, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, privacy, and cybersecurity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the workday and frequently use their hands and fingers to handle or feel in order to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The employee is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of general corporate matters preferred.
• Excellent Business acumen and judgment.
• Strong customer service ethic to support the business.
• Proven ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: the ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with all levels of management.
• Ability to work collaboratively across the organization.
• Ability to multi-task various projects and responsibilities.
• Ability to work highly independently/autonomously with little to no supervision.
• Ability to work on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge.
• Ability to act in a leadership role for legal project/work groups.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus: Ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Know the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Resourcefulness: Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quality, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and other accountable to meet commitment.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands of different situations.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Experience and Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• License to practice law in Texas.
  
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant legal experience in state or federal regulatory matters; experience with FDA 503A and 503B matters, state board of pharmacy matters, and contract development and manufacturing organization matters preferred.
• Experience negotiating and drafting complex agreements required.
• Experience with regulatory issues, contracts, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, and/or finance is preferred; over 6 years' of relevant experience preferred.

Employee Benefits, Health, and Wellness

• No-Cost Medication: Get your prescribed compounded medications at no cost, ensuring your health without the financial burden.
• Onsite Health & Wellness - IV Therapy Drips: Rejuvenate with complimentary onsite IV Therapy drips, enhancing your well-being and energy levels.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Options: Choose from three medical plans tailored to your needs, plus options for dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Telehealth visits: Access board-certified Doctors anytime, anywhere for you and your family.
• Paid & Volunteer Time Off: Enjoy paid time off for personal pursuits and contribute to causes you care about with volunteer time off.
• Paid Holidays (8 scheduled; 2 floating): Celebrate with eight scheduled holidays and two floating holidays, giving you flexibility and time for personal traditions.
• Life & AD&D Coverage: Secure your and your family's financial future with life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Manage healthcare expenses smartly with pre-tax dollars in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401K Dollar-for-Dollar Up to 4%: Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%.
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability: Provided at no cost, which replaces 60% of your income if you become disabled for a long period of time.
• Flexible Schedules: Balance work and life seamlessly with our flexible scheduling options.
• Rewards & Recognition Program: Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed - enjoy rewards and recognition beyond your paycheck.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

• Accident Insurance: Pays a lump sum benefit to help cover expenses following an accidental injury.
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Enhance your peace of mind with supplemental hospital insurance for unexpected stays.
• Critical Illness: Protect your finances from the expenses of a serious health issue.
• Short-Term Disability: Protect your income during illness or injury with short-term disability coverage.
• Supplemental Life & AD&D: Add an extra layer of financial protection for you and your loved ones with supplemental life and AD&D coverage.
• Legal Services: Access professional legal assistance to address concerns confidently.
• Identity Theft Protection: Safeguard your identity and finances with our identity theft protection benefit.
• Pet Insurance: Care for your furry family members with our pet insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for a holistic approach to your well-being.