General Counsel Job Description

The General Counsel reviews changes to law and regulations and advises management about any impact to the business. Plans and directs all aspects of an organization’s legal affairs and ensures all business policies and activities are managed correctly and in compliance with current laws. Being a General Counsel leads the defense of the organization in lawsuits and the prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of the organization against others. Provides guidance and counsel to management on business transactions and initiatives. In addition, General Counsel ensures that all company communications, contracts, documents, filings and press releases undergo a legal review. May engage and coordinate with outside counsel for certain matters. Requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and may require admittance to a state bar. Typically reports to CEO. Responsible for the development of functional or business unit strategy for the entire organization. Defines corporate vision and strategy establishes company direction and focus. Executes multiple high impact initiatives to achieve overall corporate goals.

General Counsel Job Description Template

Our company is looking for a General Counsel to join our team.

Responsibilities:

  • Leads and manages the Office of General Counsel, which includes staff attorneys, paralegals, and student employees;
  • Manages and coordinates all outside counsel for the University;
  • Lead programs that conduct company training on legal topics applicable to varied departments (e.g. FCPA);
  • Assure that employee plans and policies comply with domestic and international legal requirements;
  • Oversee and coordinate outside counsel, which includes managing the services and expenses;
  • Advise on company employment matters, policies, and personnel issues;
  • Review and negotiate all contracts and agreement terms with outside entities;
  • Advise on real estate marketplace transactions by working closely with our real estate teams, leasing teams, operations teams, and local counsel;
  • Support legal/compliance matters related to Marketing and PED (Product, Engineering, Design) initiatives (i.e. privacy, consumer protection, etc.);
  • Establish and maintain internal legal processes and advise on all legal/compliance matters;
  • Lead on dispute resolution strategy;
  • Advise senior leadership on legal strategy and risk issues associated with the company’s business operations and regulatory compliance requirements;
  • Participate in product and cross-functional initiative developments throughout Ocrolus;
  • Review and ensure compliance with all federal, state and local government regulations as applicable to the business;
  • Draft, negotiate, and examine agreements, such as strategic partnership opportunities, vendor contracts, and supplier agreements.

Requirements:

  • A disposition to act as both a manager and individual contributor without ego in a team-oriented, fast-paced, and ever-changing environment;
  • Exceptional analytical, problem solving, communication and writing skills;
  • Expert level legal knowledge and experience with an emphasis on purchase and sale agreements and lease agreements, and loan agreements;
  • Experience with, and working knowledge of, the federal and state laws applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations;
  • Robust Computer skills;
  • Knowledge of OMB’s uniform guidelines for federal grant recipients;
  • Quick thinking with superior analytical ability and strong attention to detail;
  • Prior background or experience with corporate law;
  • Ability to provide advice and counsel to staff on a wide range of legal, policy, and employment issues;
  • A JD from a top law school with the ability to practice law in NY;
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to roll up your sleeves;
  • Exceptional judgment and ability to act decisively and with discretion in situations requiring quick but thorough analysis and decision-making;
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work across functions;
  • Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and able to turn work around very quickly, as needed;
  • Ability to evaluate risk and resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.