15037 - Lead Legal Counsel - Contracts, Employment Law

Job Reference: 15037 - Posted 29-Sep-2026

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Kelly is a team of experts driven by our belief that the impact of the right person in the right job is limitless.

No matter where you are in your career journey you can apply your knowledge and passion to move people, organizations, and communities forward. You'll have opportunities to grow your expertise and capabilities, both professionally and personally. As a team we celebrate inclusion, caring and collaboration. As a company we value your contribution, we work with integrity, and we always put people first — so your impact really will change lives.

The Lead Legal Counsel is a specialist-level professional role within Kelly's Legal function, bringing deep and broad expertise in legal matters to guide the organization through its most complex challenges. This Leader will act as the lead legal counsel for one of Kelly’s three business units and will be the primary legal advisor to the business unit president and leadership team. This role leads others to solve complex problems, works independently (with guidance only in the most complex situations), and may lead functional teams or enterprise-wide legal projects. The Lead Legal Counsel serves as a senior authority and key point of contact for external stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement corporate governance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior management on complex corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead negotiations and draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of corporate agreements, including contracts, leases, and licensing agreements.
• Oversee the management of legal risks and ensure that the organization's legal strategy aligns with its business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate legal considerations into business decisions and ensure legal compliance across all departments.
• Conduct legal due diligence for potential acquisitions, divestitures, and other significant corporate transactions.
• Manage external counsel and vendors, including selecting, supervising, and evaluating their performance to ensure cost-effective legal services.
• Develop and deliver training programs on legal and compliance topics to educate employees and enhance the organization's legal culture.
• Monitor and analyze business risks, and legal trends and developments that may impact the organization and recommend proactive measures to mitigate risks.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, investors, and other legal counsel.
• Lead the development and implementation of legal technology solutions to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Oversee the management of litigation and dispute resolution processes, including the selection of external counsel and the development of litigation strategies.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in legal research and case management software (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase).
• Advanced knowledge of corporate governance and compliance regulations.
• Experience with contract negotiation and drafting, including complex commercial agreements.
• Expertise in employment law.
• Experience in intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Familiarity with data privacy laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking to manage and advise on complex legal issues.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to interact with senior management and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement legal strategies that align with business objectives.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required.
• Active member in good standing with a state bar required; multi-jurisdiction admission preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive legal experience in a corporate or law firm environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead functional legal teams or enterprise-wide projects.
• Proven expertise managing high-stakes negotiations, M&A transactions, and regulatory matters.
• Track record of developing legal strategies that align with and advance business objectives.
• Experience selecting and managing outside counsel and legal technology solutions.

Base pay range for this position is $160,000 - $180,000 per year. Final annual compensation will be based on experience and may vary by geographic location.

Total compensation package including benefits as applicable to the position — understanding that each person has unique professional and personal needs focused on your total well-being. Explore our range of benefits at: Kelly Services | People Regular Staff

Kelly is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, including, but not limited to, race, gender, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law.