VP - Associate General Counsel

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction and with a high level of autonomy, the VP - Associate General Counsel will use extensive knowledge and skills obtained through education and experience to manage legal matters that involve labor and employment law issues, workplace safety issues and regulations (federal OSHA and state plans), federal and state transportation laws and regulations (including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA)) and various state and local regulations), and consumer relations. This role requires a proactive approach to risk management and compliance, and the ability to provide pragmatic and scalable advice on a broad range of employment matters, including recruiting, hiring, leave and accommodation management, benefits, employee relations, restrictive covenants, discipline, wage and hour, contingent workforce, diversity and job restructuring. The VP - Associate General Counsel may lead major projects, programs or processes that have significant business impact and involve cross-functional teams. Provides comprehensive solutions to complex problems or needs. Maintains extensive contact with internal business partners, senior management, and outside counsel to identify, research, analyze and resolve complex legal issues with significant impact to the business.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        Provides advice, counsel and support to the assigned functional area(s), and recommendations to senior management on corporate action.

·        Oversees and manages outside counsel in activities associated with the assigned functional area(s).

·        Partner, advise, and collaborate with the legal team and key stake holders across the enterprise on relevant matters/issues.

·    Performs human resource management activities that include identifying performance problems, approving recommendations for remedial action, evaluating performance, and interviewing legal department staff.

·        Interprets, applies and recommends changes to organizational policies and procedures.

·        Reviews progress of assignments with Chief Legal Officer and/or senior management.

·        Balances conflicting resources and priority demands.

·        Manages all legal matters that involve the assigned functional area(s).  Keeps management apprised of developments.

·        Determines the allocation of legal reserves when applicable.

·        Oversees the maintenance of case status reports, if applicable.

·        Prepares and delivers written and oral presentations to senior management on legal issues.

·        Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEGDE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

·        Advanced concepts, principles and practices of laws and regulations related to assigned functional areas, including US labor and employment laws, US and state transportation laws, and consumer laws.

·        Counseling on, or litigation related to, immigration compliance and/or other employment-related compliance.

Skill in:

·        Communication, interpersonal skills and experience in quickly building trust with team members and influence cross-functional partners.

·        Managing a large volume of complex corporate legal functions.

·        Developing, preparing and presenting case theories and strategies, if applicable.

·        Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations on legal issues to associates of all levels.

·        Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, including legal case management software and Microsoft office.

Ability to:

·        Manage, coach and mentor others.

·        Review performance and evaluate results achieved by others.

·        Interpret, apply and recommend changes to organizational policies and procedures.

·        Provide legal advice, counsel and recommendations to senior management on significant issues.

·        Balance conflicting resources and prioritize demands.

·        Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives.

·        Facilitate meetings and ensure that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed.

·        Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments.

·        Read, interpret, analyze and apply complex legal information.

·        Draft and maintain employment-related documents, policies, and processes.

·        Prioritize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamically changing environment.

·        Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

·        Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

·        Handle stressful situations with a heavy diverse workload.

·        Provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner.

·        Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the enterprise.

EDUCATION & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

Education/Previous Experience

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in the relevant practice area(s) (law firm, regulator or self-regulatory organization, and/or in-house in a related area involving transportation industry preferred).

Licenses/Certifications

·        Member in good standing of at least one state bar; and

Ability to obtain Florida Authorized House Counsel, if not a member of the Florida Bar.

MANAGEMENT & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES

·        Reports to Chief Legal Officer

·        Job may be responsible for managing other employees (e.g., hiring/termination and/or pay decisions, performance management)