Corporate Counsel

Overview

We are seeking a motivated, business-oriented, and independent attorney to serve as a key member of NEU’s legal department. Working under the direction of the General Counsel, the Corporate Counsel will serve as an in-house generalist on a small legal team, addressing the various legal needs of the U.S. operations of one of the world's leading freight forwarders.

The successful candidate will be business savvy, provide practical legal solutions in furtherance of corporate goals, be self-motivated, be an effective communicator (including with those for whom English is not their first language), and excel in an international, multicultural company.

This salary range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs, and other considerations permitted by law. At NEU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the role's pay range.

Responsibilities

Primary Functions:

• Identify and manage legal risks in substantive areas common to a large global logistics provider, including, but not limited to:
  • air, ocean and truck transportation operations;
  • warehouse and distribution center operations;
  • international trade and export controls;
  • employment law;
  • real estate;
  • privacy and data protection; and
  • litigation and other dispute investigation, management and resolution.
• Draft, review and negotiate a range of commercial contracts, including logistics and warehouse services agreements, master service agreements, vendor agreements, real estate leases and other customary company contracts. Review Request for Proposals /Information (RFPs) to ensure responses are accurate from a legal perspective and align with the company’s ability to comply with all contractual and regulatory obligations; help identify risks and solutions.
• Stay current with changes in laws that may affect the company; provide analysis and counsel on various laws affecting the company or its operations.
• Assist with managing various legal proceedings, including actual or anticipated lawsuits, subpoenas and regulatory inquiries.
• Assist with developing and recommending company policy and procedures.
• Assist in risk management and compliance management activities.
• Anticipate and guard against legal risks facing the company.
• Oversee maintenance of the corporate books for the company and its U.S. subsidiaries.
• Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues and provide advice on day-to-day company legal issues.
• Assist in the administration of the legal department.
• Participate in global Nippon Express initiatives in the areas of legal management, compliance and risk mitigation.
• Maintain precedent forms.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.
• Drive an environment of continuous quality and process improvement.

Qualifications

What You Will Need To Be Successful

• 3-5 years of experience in a law firm and/or prior in-house position.
• Thrive in a “roll-up your sleeves, get the job done and own the outcome” environment.
• Be solution-oriented.
• Sound business judgment and strategic thinking ability while under deadline pressures.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team, as necessary. Can lead cross-functional projects.
• Ability and patience to communicate complex issues effectively with business partners from different international backgrounds. Excellent writing and oral skills.
• Superior judgment and attention to detail.
• Ability to strike a sensible and practical balance between legal risks and business requirements.
• Strong ability to listen, provide perspective and context, and influence results.
• Ability to manage many matters simultaneously and quickly pivot from one situation or task to another.
• Flexibility to work the hours needed to meet deadlines or for project completion.
• Team attitude that no job is too big or too small.

Education, Bar Admission and Work Experience

• J.D. from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.
• Good standing member of the Illinois bar.
• 3-5 years of legal experience required; strong preference for both law firm and previous in-house experience.
• Experience in the logistics industry preferred.
• Experience with HR legal matters preferred.
• Expertise in one or more legal areas particular to logistics companies preferred (e.g., ocean transport, TSA compliance, export trade controls, customs brokerage, etc.).
• Experience working in an international environment a plus.
• Knowledge of Japanese language and/or business culture a plus.

Organization Relationships

This position will interact with branch colleagues, leadership staff, and office/warehouse personnel. Must be able to work with customers, vendors, and outside organizations.

Work Environment

(With or without accommodations) This position is predominantly sedentary office work, involving sitting, typing, filing, and phone conversations.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month after 30 days.
• 401k with a company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts, HSA, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Auto and Home policies, Commuter Benefits, and much more.
• Generous Vacation and Sick time.

Nippon Express USA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.