Associate Counsel

Overview

The Associate Counsel will play a critical role in advancing the mission and long-term success of every part of the organization by providing comprehensive legal support to General Counsel for USA Waste & Recycling and its affiliated companies, including Murphy Road Recycling, F&G Recycling, All American Waste, Greathorse, Sonny’s Place, and Lindy Farms. As a key partner to the General Counsel, this position will assist in strengthening the companies’ abilities to operate safely, responsibly, and innovatively. You’ll ensure regulatory compliance, manage legal and environmental risks, support sustainable growth, and enable the business to continue delivering exceptional service to the communities it serves. The role spans legal, regulatory, compliance, and business matters affecting the companies’ operations in Connecticut and Massachusetts, with a particular focus on environmental permitting, solid waste and recycling regulation, customer and vendor contracting, and employment matters. This role is based in the Enfield, CT headquarters office and reports directly to General Counsel / Executive Management. This is an in-office role and requires some regional travel.

Waste and Recycling businesses:

With roots dating back to the 70s, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading USA Waste and All American Waste into the future while serving communities in CT, Western MA, and Westchester, NY. They operate one of the region’s most forward-thinking waste and recycling enterprises with a commitment to remaining on the leading edge of waste, hauling, and processing - innovating every step as they work to find the best solutions for safe and efficient residential and commercial services. From building the country\'s largest state-of-the-art recycling facility, to powering its buildings with solar energy, and fueling its trucks with all-American natural gas, they are committed to the communities they serve, and the planet.

The story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, started Somers Sanitation - named after their hometown of Somers, Connecticut. While their fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, they take pride in continuing to operate these businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided them since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people they serve.

Entertainment businesses:

Beyond waste and recycling, the family owns and operates Sonny’s Place, a popular family entertainment center, a golf club, and horse farms. Together, these ventures reflect a multigenerational legacy that blends environmental services, hospitality, agriculture, and community recreation, with a consistent emphasis on family leadership, regional investment, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Litigations & Claims Management:

• Manage and coordinate litigation, administrative actions, and claims with outside counsel.
• Handle and oversee employment disputes, workers’ compensation, and discrimination or retaliation claims before agencies such as CHRO and MCAD.
• Work closely with HR and management to ensure timely, consistent, and strategic handling of internal complaints, external proceedings, changing regulatory landscapes, and roll-out of internal employee policies and trainings.
• Work closely with EH&S and management to ensure timely, consistent, and strategic handling of environmental/pollution and safety-related claims.
• Manage insurance, liability, and general commercial claims, ensuring efficient resolution and documentation.
• Represent or assist in responses to CHRO, MCAD, EEOC, and other administrative agencies

Regulatory & Environmental Compliance:

• Manage/assist in state permitting, compliance, and enforcement matters, including transfer stations, recycling facilities, and transportation operations, including drafting of materials in connection therewith.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed regulations, policies, and guidance from Connecticut DEEP, Massachusetts DEP, and related local authorities. Assist General Counsel with advocacy, position papers, and legislative tracking.
• Track and participate in local solid waste authority meetings and policy discussions in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Contracts & Transactions:

• Draft, review, and negotiate vendor and customer contracts, ensuring consistency with corporate standards and risk management goals.
• Draft and review municipal bid and contract compliance, including renewals, performance reporting, and amendment tracking

Other Duties:

• Conduct legal research, as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

The Successful Candidate Will Bring:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing in Connecticut and/or Massachusetts; will require waiving into the other jurisdiction if only one is held.
• 5–10 years of relevant legal experience in environmental, employment, or regulatory law, ideally with exposure to the solid waste and recycling industry.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex contracts and/or briefs and manage multifaceted legal matters.
• Ability to conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Litigation experience preferred.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior management, operations teams, and external stakeholders.
• Practical, business-oriented mindset and ability to handle diverse legal issues independently.
• Valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance
• Ability to travel - This position requires site visits to business locations

Seniorities and Employment

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Legal

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