In House Legal Counsel

Nicolozakes Trucking & Construction, Inc .

About Us

At Nicolozakes Trucking & Construction, Inc ., we're proud to be a family-owned company with over 70 years of serving our community. We've built our reputation on integrity, hard work, safety, and strong relationships. As our organization continues to grow, we're seeking an experienced legal professional who enjoys partnering with leadership to provide practical legal guidance while supporting HR compliance and business operations.

About the Role

We're seeking an In House Legal Counsel who is looking to build a rewarding in-house legal career while partnering with leadership on employment law, HR compliance, contracts, and business operations to serve as a trusted advisor to company leadership. This individual will provide day-to-day legal counsel while ensuring compliance with employment laws, regulatory requirements, contracts, risk management, and corporate policies. Prior Human Resources experience is preferred.

We welcome attorneys with a strong interest in employment law and HR compliance who enjoy partnering with operational leaders to provide practical business solutions. This position offers a unique opportunity for an attorney who enjoys being integrated into the business, partnering with leadership on day-to-day operations, and helping drive strategic decisions while minimizing organizational risk.

Ideal Candidate
We're looking for an attorney who enjoys solving business challenges, building relationships, and working alongside leaders to make practical decisions. Whether your experience comes from a law firm, government agency, or another legal setting, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your expertise while gaining valuable in-house experience in employment law, HR compliance, contracts, risk management, and business operations.

Success in this role comes from being collaborative, approachable, business-minded, and eager to learn—not from having experience in every area on day one.

What You'll Be Doing

• In addition to serving as the company’s HR Manager, you will serve as the company's legal advisor on employment, business, and operational matters.
• Provide legal guidance to ownership and leadership regarding federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Advise leadership on employee relations, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Provide guidance regarding ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, EEO, DOT, Workers' Compensation, unemployment, and other employment regulations.
• Support HR policy development, employee handbook updates, and compliance initiatives.
• Assist with risk management, litigation prevention, and coordination with outside legal counsel.
• Partner with leadership regarding organizational strategy, workforce planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Support safety and regulatory compliance initiatives across trucking and construction operations.
• Provide employment law and HR compliance training for supervisors and managers.
• Monitor changes in employment legislation and recommend proactive business solutions.
• Participate as a member of the executive leadership team in strategic planning and key business initiatives.

What You Bring

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Ohio (or ability to obtain Ohio licensure).
• 5+ years of legal experience preferred in employment, labor, business, or corporate law.
• Experience advising business leaders on employment-related legal matters.
• Human Resources compliance experience preferred.
• Experience in transportation, construction, DOT, OSHA, employment law, or risk management is highly valued.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business guidance.
• Excellent communication, judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.

What We Offer

• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) with 3% Safe Harbor contribution
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional development opportunities

Work Schedule

Monday–Friday, Day Shift
On-site in Cambridge, Ohio

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to become a key member of our leadership team and help shape the future of a growing, family-owned organization. You will work directly with the owners and executive leadership to influence strategic business decisions while providing practical legal guidance, strengthening HR compliance, minimizing organizational risk, and supporting a workplace culture built on integrity, accountability, and respect. This is a business-minded, hands-on legal role designed for an attorney who enjoys partnering with operations rather than focusing primarily on litigation.

New to In-House Counsel?

If you're an attorney with a strong foundation in employment, business, labor, or regulatory law and are looking to transition into an in-house legal role, we encourage you to apply. We value curiosity, collaboration, sound judgment, a willingness to learn, and a desire to grow alongside our leadership team.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - No Phone Calls Please

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 5 - 10 years
Bonus/Commission: No