Legal Counsel at Law

Job Description

Job Description Job Summary

The Legal Counsel will serve as the primary in-house legal advisor for the company’s logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations across the United States. This role supports commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution while enabling business growth in freight forwarding, warehousing, trucking, intermodal, and cross-border logistics.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contract Management

~ Draft, review, negotiate, and manage:

• Customer transportation and warehousing agreements
• Freight forwarding terms & conditions
• Carrier agreements (trucking, air, ocean, rail)
• 3PL, 4PL, and fulfillment contracts
• Vendor, SaaS, and technology agreements (WMS, TMS, automation)
• Advise business teams on contract risk allocation, liability limits, indemnities, insurance, and force majeure clauses
• Standardize contract templates and playbooks to improve deal velocity

Regulatory & Compliance (Logistics-Specific)

Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including:

FMCSA, DOT, and transportation safety regulations

Maritime and air cargo regulations (where applicable)

Customs, import/export, and trade compliance (CBP, EAR, OFAC, sanctions)

Warehouse safety and OSHA compliance

Monitor regulatory changes impacting transportation, labor, and cross-border logistics

Support internal audits and compliance programs

Risk Management & Claims

Manage cargo claims, loss/damage disputes, and service failures

Coordinate with insurance brokers and carriers on coverage, claims, and renewals

Advise operations teams on risk mitigation strategies across warehouses and transportation lanes

Oversee litigation and disputes with outside counsel as needed

Corporate & Governance

Support corporate governance matters, including:

Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships

M&A, asset purchases, and strategic alliances

Maintain corporate records and support board and executive leadership

Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity issues related to customer and shipment data

Employment & Labor Support

Advise HR and leadership on:

Employment law compliance (FLSA, wage/hour, worker classification)

Independent contractor vs employee issues (especially drivers and warehouse labor)

Union, labor relations, and workforce disruption risks

Review employee policies, handbooks, and disciplinary actions

Business Advisory

Serve as a trusted legal partner to Operations, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams

Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to support growth while managing risk

Train internal stakeholders on legal and compliance topics relevant to logistics operations

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active bar membership in at least one US jurisdiction

~5+ years of legal experience, preferably in:

• Logistics, transportation, supply chain, or manufacturing
• In-house legal department or law firm with transportation practice
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills
• Knowledge of US transportation and logistics regulatory framework

Preferred

Prior in-house experience at a logistics, 3PL, freight forwarder, or transportation company

Experience with international trade, customs, and cross-border shipping

Familiarity with warehouse operations and fulfillment environments

Experience supporting M&A or joint ventures

Key Competencies

Practical, business-focused legal judgment

Ability to balance risk and commercial objectives

Strong communication skills with non-legal stakeholders

Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced operational environment

High attention to detail with strong prioritization skills