Legal Counsel Litigation (Itasca)

Legal Counsel-Litigation

Join Mitsubishi HC Capital’s dynamic North American Legal Department and help shape the future of commercial finance across the United States and Canada. As a legal advisor and business partner, your primary focus will be supporting litigation, dispute resolution, bankruptcy, workouts, restructuring, risk management, legal operations and process improvement activities throughout North America. This role partners closely with business stakeholders, operations teams, asset management teams, compliance professionals, IT personnel, HR, paralegals and outside counsel.

HYBRID: 3 days/week in Itasca, IL

THE ROLE: STRATEGIC LEGAL PARTNER

Provide legal support across equipment finance, commercial lending, leasing, supplier disputes, corporate governance, entity management, data privacy, employment matters, compliance, investigations, records management, legal technology initiatives and operational legal support affecting U.S. and Canadian operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Assist with the management of commercial litigation and pre-litigation disputes from inception through resolution; conduct investigations, legal research, discovery management, settlement evaluations, mediation and resolution support

Workout, Restructuring & Creditor Rights Support

• Support distressed assets, workouts, collections, restructurings, enforcement actions, forbearance arrangements and recovery initiatives

Bankruptcy & Insolvency Matters

• Support creditor rights initiatives, bankruptcy proceedings, proofs of claim, insolvency disputes and recovery efforts

Compliance Support

• Support internal reviews, audits, and compliance inquiries
• Assist in drafting, implementing, and updating compliance policies and procedures

External Counsel Management

• Assist in selecting, retaining and managing outside counsel; review budgets, staffing models, invoices and performance

Risk Management

• Identify, assess and mitigate legal and business risks and develop proactive legal strategies

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Support internal investigations, regulatory responses and compliance initiatives across U.S. and Canadian operations

Supplier & Third-Party Disputes

• Assist procurement and operations teams in resolving commercial disputes and contract enforcement matters

Litigation Operations & Legal Process Management

• Assist with the management of commercial litigation and pre-litigation disputes from inception through resolution; conduct investigations, legal research, discovery management, settlement evaluations, mediation and resolution support

Legal Hold, Information Governance & E-Discovery

• Assist with the implementation and administration of legal hold software; develop preservation workflows, custodian notices, audit procedures, document collection and e-discovery processes

Paralegal Coordination & Matter Administration

• Work closely with paralegal(s) on litigation matter creation, discovery, subpoenas, legal holds, records collection, reporting and matter administration

Knowledge Management, Playbooks & SOPs

• Create litigation playbooks, legal department procedures, workflows, precedent libraries and knowledge repositories

Template Development & Standardized Documentation

• Draft and maintain settlement agreements, mutual releases, demand letters, preservation letters, legal hold notices, reservation of rights letters, separation agreements, workout agreements, forbearance agreements, investigation forms, subpoena response templates, dispute intake questionnaires, NDA templates and business-facing legal request forms

Business Unit Legal Support & Training

• Create legal intake forms, guidance documents and training regarding litigation avoidance, records retention, legal holds, privilege, investigations and dispute escalation

Department Operations

• Support legal technology, AI tools, matter management systems, budget reporting and continuous improvement initiatives

Professional Development

• Remain informed regarding litigation, bankruptcy, restructuring, creditor rights, privacy, compliance and legal technology developments

️ WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

• Juris Doctorate
• 5-8 years of experience in commercial litigation, workouts, bankruptcy, creditor rights, restructuring, equipment finance, commercial finance or related areas
• Knowledge of commercial lending, equipment finance, leasing and secured transactions
• Prior law firm, in-house, or hybrid experience preferred
• Experience supporting multi-jurisdictional U.S. and Canadian operations preferred
• Familiarity with UCC Articles 2A & 9, and relevant Canadian secured transaction frameworks
• Experience with outside counsel and cross-functional business teams
• Proven contract drafting, negotiation, legal research and analytical skills
• Familiarity with e-discovery, legal holds, information governance and records management
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Technology‑savvy with capability to leverage legal tech and AI tools
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Illinois, or eligible for in‑house counsel licensing
• Occasional travel for industry events and business site visits

COMPENSATION: $140,000 – $180,000; based on experience. This role is also eligible for a year-end bonus.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Experience a comprehensive package designed to fuel your personal and professional journey:

• Top-Tier Health & Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, life & AD&D with low premiums; prescription drug coverage
• Financial Security: 401K with immediate vesting and up to 4.5% match; RSP contributions day one; HSA contributions; flexible-spending accounts
• Time Off: Competitive vacation time, plus 10 scheduled holidays
• Wellness & Lifestyle: Annual fitness reimbursement; virtual fitness membership; Stress management tools; Employee Assistance Program for confidential support and coaching
• Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement after one year; dedicated development budget
• Culture: Transparent, collaborative environment with a supportive, family-like team

MAKE A VISABLE IMPACT: Apply now or forward your resume directly to : View email address on apply.placed-app.com

Mitsubishi HC Capital is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

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