In House Legal Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

 

Our firm is partnering with a privately owned, family-oriented business in Owensboro to recruit an In-House Legal Counsel. This versatile, hands-on role will provide comprehensive legal support across all areas of business, enabling efficient operations, risk mitigation, and strategic growth in a collaborative, family-oriented environment.

You will act as a trusted business partner to ownership and department leads, handling everything from routine contract reviews to complex compliance matters. In a small company setting, this position offers broad exposure and direct impact - no two days are the same. Ideal for an attorney who enjoys wearing multiple hats, delivering practical advice, and building long-term relationships rather than operating in a large departmental silo.

Outside counsel will be used selectively for specialized litigations; you will manage and direct those relationships.

Key Responsibilities

This role covers legal support for every business function, including but not limited to, operations, sales, HR, finance, procurement, marketing, facilities, and family leadership. Core duties include:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts (vendors, customers, employment, leases, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain corporate governance records and filings
• Identify and mitigate risk; manage insurance and claims
• Handle disputes and coordinate with outside counsel
• Support real estate transactions and business initiatives
• Advise leadership on legal and strategic decisions

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in Kentucky (or eligibility for admission/waiver; must be in good standing)
• 1–3+ years of experience (corporate, commercial, or in-house preferred)
• Demonstrated broad exposure to contracts, compliance, employment law, and corporate matters
• Familiarity with small or family-owned businesses is a significant plus

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong business acumen - able to balance legal risk with practical business needs
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills (able to explain complex issues clearly to non-lawyers)
• High integrity, discretion, and sound judgement (especially important in family business)
• Proactive, self-directed, and comfortable working independently with minimal support staff
• Strong organizational and project-management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, contract-management tools, and basic legal research platforms

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: $75,000–$95,000 (based on experience)
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, holidays)
• Professional development support (CLE, bar dues)
• Collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment with growth opportunities

Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to View email address on us.fitly.work. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

This position is perfect for an attorney ready to move from a firm or larger corporate environment into a broad, impactful in-house role where your work directly shapes the success of a local family business. We look forward to hearing from you!