The position of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will provide legal support across all lines of business enabling profitable growth while mitigating legal risks and assure adherence to governance policies and ethics. The candidate's role will incorporate the negotiation and drafting of contracts, including customer and supplier agreements; master supply agreements, non-disclosure agreements; joint development agreements; licensing agreements and employment contracts. In addition, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will be responsible for commercial and property insurance matters, working with facility safety personnel with respect to the management of worker’s compensation policies and problem claims. The General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will also work with and coordinate with HR on employee related policies, plans and employee benefit matters.
This position is not limited to a single practice area and will work across the entire organization. This position requires using a combination of business acumen, technical knowledge, and legal skills. This role is critical to the overall success of the company and will report directly to the President of the company.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Negotiating, writing and executing agreements and contracts on behalf of the company.
- Oversight of the company’s intellectual property.
- Managing and coordinating with outside counsel and controlling the company’s legal spend.
- Advising on contract status, legal risks, and the legal liabilities associated with different company activities and transactions.
- Providing counsel and advice to company executives on regulatory and compliance issues to ensure compliance with State and Federal legal regulations as well as a variety of other legal issues.
- Acting as Corporate Secretary on any Board related matters.
- Participating in and managing the renewal of the Company’s commercial and property insurance policies and risk management policies.
- Providing fiduciary oversight to various company employee and ERISA benefit plans.
- Providing labor and employee relations guidance in conjunction with outside counsel, as needed, including oversight on collective bargaining agreements.
- Researching and anticipating unique legal issues that could potentially impact the company.
- Reviewing all advertising and marketing materials to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Juris Doctor Degree.
- Admission to one or more State Bars.
- A minimum of 10+ years’ experience as an in-house counsel, being well versed on contracts and negotiations.
- Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner; must work well with minimal supervision and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written. Strong negotiating skills with both legal and financial/commercial issues.
- Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships across all businesses within the organization.
- Experience with corporate governance issues and corporate secretarial duties.
- Knowledge of statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to businesses.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office platform.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to work flexible hours/work schedule, including weekends when required.
- Moderate Domestic travel required.
These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks, which are fundamental. Work will take place in an office environment. Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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