Job Title : Associate General Counsel (Brand Protection)
Department/Function : Legal
Location : Fully Remote in the United States
Reports to : SVP Chief Legal Officer, Secretary
Job Band : Manager/Sr. Manager/Director
Full-Time
Exempt
Travel Requirements : Rarely
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is looking to add an Associate General Counsel to our team to support the needs of this exciting, growing business. You will report directly to our SVP, Chief Legal Officer and have an opportunity to work with senior leadership as you learn and grow in your career with Potbelly.
The Associate General Counsel will work on a wide range of legal and business issues. A successful candidate will be a generalist with capabilities across several areas including commercial contracting, litigation, franchising, employment, marketing, and real estate.
FOCUS
Responsibilities
- Litigation Management:
- Oversee all company litigation, including developing and executing litigation strategy, coordinating internal teams and third parties.
- Select, manage, and evaluate the performance of outside counsel to ensure effective representation and cost management.
- Advise senior management on litigation risks, potential outcomes, and strategic decisions.
- Employment and Benefits Legal Support:
- Provide legal advice and guidance to the Human Resources team on employment law matters, including employee relations, terminations, discrimination claims, and workplace policies.
- Support the HR team on benefits-related issues, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Contract Review and Corporate Support:
- Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of company contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Provide legal support and guidance to various corporate functions as needed, including business development, operations, and finance.
- Enterprise Risk and Compliance:
- Assist in the development, implementation, and management of the company's risk management and compliance programs.
- Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements across the company's operations.
- Knowledge Management and Training:
- Develop and maintain programs for knowledge management, including creating and updating legal templates, guidelines, and best practices.
- Prepare and deliver client alerts, training sessions, and educational materials to ensure that company employees are informed about relevant legal issues and developments.
- Strategic Legal Advice:
- Serve as a strategic legal advisor to the business, providing proactive and practical legal solutions that align with the company's objectives.
- Work independently and efficiently to handle a broad range of legal matters with minimal supervision.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex legal issues and provide holistic support to the company's business operations.
- Engage with senior leadership to advise on legal risks and opportunities, ensuring alignment with business goals.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS
- Must have a JD and be a member in good standing of one state bar.
- Must demonstrate positive energy, curiosity, and flexibility.
- Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, including at least 3 years working in-house.
- Experience negotiating, drafting, and reviewing commercial agreements.
- Experience leading legal projects and initiatives in support of business objectives.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to interact with all levels of a company via telephone, video, and in-person conversations.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple workstreams, and meet deadlines.
- Must be highly organized with an ability to execute with speed and quality.
- Must have the ability to work 55 hours per week and travel domestically as needed.