Associate Counsel

The Associate Counsel supports the General Counsel in managing the Company's legal affairs, providing pragmatic, timely, and business-focused legal advice. This role assists in all areas of legal practice impacting the Company, including corporate and commercial contracts, employment matters, compliance, operations, and risk management. The Associate Counsel will work closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to ensure legal efficiency and mitigate risk while supporting the Company's continued growth. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities: Provide day-to-day legal support to business units under the direction of the General Counsel, delivering practical solutions to achieve business objectives. Review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including vendor, service, confidentiality, consulting, and technology-related contracts. Assist with contract disputes and terminations. Assist with obtaining and renewing all licenses needed, including navigating various issues that arise in obtaining licenses. Advise on employment and human resources matters, including hiring and termination, workplace policies, employee relations, and compliance with employment laws. Assist in risk management and litigation matters, including coordinating with outside counsel, reviewing pleadings, participating in discovery, attending depositions, and supporting litigation strategy and resolution efforts to ensure the legal teams are prepared for trial to obtain the best possible results. Collaborate with the General Counsel and Risk Management team to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks across Company operations. Research and analyze legal issues to provide clear, actionable recommendations to management and other departments. Support corporate governance functions, including entity formation, entity management, entity planning, annual filings, and preparation of corporate documents. Manage projects and coordinate work with internal stakeholders, outside counsel, and third-party vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective outcomes. Maintain a strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards to proactively identify and address compliance issues. Research the laws related to the sale of age-restricted products and provide advice to Operations on the permitted days and hours of operations and compliance with age-restricted sales laws. Assist in handling alcohol and tobacco compliance issues, and provide advice on improving compliance. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong judgment and analytical abilities with a business-oriented mindset. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with outside counsel and cross-functional teams. High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Collaborative and adaptable; able to work effectively in a dynamic business environment. Earns the trust of others through open, honest communication and follow through Accountable to act with integrity, adhere to company expectations of performance and behavior; abide by work rules and demonstrate high standards of moral and ethical conduct at all times Abides by Company policies and procedures as established in the Employee Handbook Must be reliable and punctual in reporting to work as scheduled; enforces company time and attendance policy EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS Required: Juris Doctorate degree required from an accredited law school 3-5 years of legal experience practicing law Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and providing general corporate counsel. Preferred: Experience working in-house with a corporate legal department. Experience with litigation management, compliance, or regulatory matters. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.