Corporate Counsel
Department: Administration
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Denver, CO
Reporting To: Jason Knudson
Compensation: $175,000 - $225,000 / year
Description
The Corporate Counsel/Sr. Corporate Counsel will be responsible for reviewing and managing a variety of agreements and matters related to customers, suppliers, service providers, consultants, property transactions, leases, trademarks and licenses. They will also be responsible for ensuring legal compliance with industry laws and standards and other occasional matters including legal claims and disputes, financing agreements and exposure to our ESOP plan. Additionally, they will address employment and benefits related claims and agreements, participate in the acquisition process as needed and support various legal projects to support the VP of Legal and Administration. This role requires staying up to date with legal developments as they relate to the industry, and building, maintaining, and supporting a legal management system.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- REVIEW OF COMMON REPETITIVE AGREEMENTS:
- Sales
- Customers' Standard Supply Agreements
- Customer Indemnity Agreements
- Price Lock, Volume Commitment Agreements
- Sales Broker Agreements
- Supply
- Large Supplier Agreements
- Standard agreement development
- Commodity Receiving Agreements
- Aluminum Hedge Agreements
- Warehousing Agreements
- Transportation Agreements
- Intellectual Property
- License Agreements
- Trademark Activity
- Working closely with Marketing to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- NDAs
- Suppliers, customers, consultants, employees, product development, potential transactions, and other related agreements
- Property
- Real Estate purchases and sales
- Large equipment purchases and sales
- Leases from/to others
- Rail track agreements
- Miscellaneous
- Various service agreements
- Consulting Agreements
- Engagement Letters
- Other agreements as needed by the VP of Legal and Administration
- Responsibility for Legal Compliance
- Keep up to date and in compliance with new and existing UCC and industry laws, e.g. FDA, USDA, Food and CPG Labeling & Advertising, Prop 65, PFAS,
- Warehouse Licensing
- Data, PPI Privacy Laws
- Compliance programs where necessary
- LEGAL CLAIMS, DISPUTES, SUITS (COMMERCIAL):
- Financing
- Borrowing Facility renewals and amendments
- Cash management agreements
- Employment and Benefits
- Employment disputes, claims, suits
- Benefit Plan related agreements
- Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) involvement, as necessary
- ACQUISITION LEGAL DUE DILIGENCE:
- Ethical Sourcing, Insurance Certificate and Indemnification System, and others as needed.
- Implementation and maintenance of contract management software
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Travel required up to 15%
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- EDUCATION AND FORMAL TRAINING
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in the state bar association.
- 8+ years of experience as a lawyer, with significant experience in a corporate legal department or law firm.
- Strong understanding of contract principles and legal drafting.
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of Corporate or Organizational Governance
- Familiar with current legal rules, laws, and regulations related to the specific industry in which the organization operates.
- Aware of legal rules, laws, and regulations concerning corporate and organizational governance matters for boards, directors, and officers.
- Adherence to Professional Conduct and Ethics Codes
- Complies with professional conduct and ethics codes, practices, policies, and regulations.
- Upholds ethical standards and behavioral norms expected of lawyers.
- Demonstrated Legal Knowledge
- Possesses general knowledge of legal expertise in relevant areas such as contracts, employment law, commercial litigation, and tax law.
- Stays informed about legal developments and industry-specific regulations.
- Understanding of Dispute Resolution Options
- Familiar with various dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g., negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation).
- Advises on the most suitable approach based on the organization’s needs and risk tolerance.
- Well-versed in Communication and Advocacy Skills
- Communicates legal advice clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
- Advocates effectively for the organization’s legal interests.
- Microsoft (MS) Office: The Corporate Counsel must also demonstrate familiarity in the use of MS Word and MS Excel.
- WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The physical environment requires the use of general office equipment (computer, printer, scanner).
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Required to use personal protective equipment as needed.
Benefits
- Insurance coverage that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and flexible spending accounts (To be eligible for benefits, the employee must work at least 30 hours per week (or 130 hours per month))
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid holidays and competitive vacation/sick pay plans
- Tuition assistance program
- Employee stock ownership program (ESOP)