Legal Counsel

Job Description The Legal Counsel will serve as the primary in-house legal advisor for the company’s logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations across the United States. This role supports commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution while enabling business growth in freight forwarding, warehousing, trucking, intermodal, and cross-border logistics. Key Responsibilities Commercial & Contract Management Draft, review, negotiate, and manage: Customer transportation and warehousing agreements Freight forwarding terms & conditions Carrier agreements (trucking, air, ocean, rail) 3PL, 4PL, and fulfillment contracts Vendor, SaaS, and technology agreements (WMS, TMS, automation) Advise business teams on contract risk allocation, liability limits, indemnities, insurance, and force majeure clauses Standardize contract templates and playbooks to improve deal velocity Regulatory & Compliance (Logistics-Specific) Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including: FMCSA, DOT, and transportation safety regulations Maritime and air cargo regulations (where applicable) Customs, import/export, and trade compliance (CBP, EAR, OFAC, sanctions) Warehouse safety and OSHA compliance Monitor regulatory changes impacting transportation, labor, and cross-border logistics Support internal audits and compliance programs Risk Management & Claims Manage cargo claims, loss/damage disputes, and service failures Coordinate with insurance brokers and carriers on coverage, claims, and renewals Advise operations teams on risk mitigation strategies across warehouses and transportation lanes Oversee litigation and disputes with outside counsel as needed Corporate & Governance Support corporate governance matters, including: Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships M&A, asset purchases, and strategic alliances Maintain corporate records and support board and executive leadership Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity issues related to customer and shipment data Employment & Labor Support Advise HR and leadership on: Employment law compliance (FLSA, wage/hour, worker classification) Independent contractor vs employee issues (especially drivers and warehouse labor) Union, labor relations, and workforce disruption risks Review employee policies, handbooks, and disciplinary actions Business Advisory Serve as a trusted legal partner to Operations, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to support growth while managing risk Train internal stakeholders on legal and compliance topics relevant to logistics operations Qualifications Required Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school Active bar membership in at least one US jurisdiction 5+ years of legal experience, preferably in: Logistics, transportation, supply chain, or manufacturing In-house legal department or law firm with transportation practice Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills Knowledge of US transportation and logistics regulatory framework Preferred Prior in-house experience at a logistics, 3PL, freight forwarder, or transportation company Experience with international trade, customs, and cross-border shipping Familiarity with warehouse operations and fulfillment environments Experience supporting M&A or joint ventures Key Competencies Practical, business-focused legal judgment Ability to balance risk and commercial objectives Strong communication skills with non-legal stakeholders Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced operational environment High attention to detail with strong prioritization skills #J-18808-Ljbffr Kex Express