Senior Director, Associate General Counsel

Church’s Texas Chicken/Texas Chicken
Employee

Job Description

Job Title:

Sr. Director, Associate General Counsel

Reports To:

VP, Deputy General Counsel
Department:
Legal

This position is based in the Atlanta Restaurant Support Center but can be remote for the right candidate. The Associate General Counsel will support the Chief Legal Officer and Deputy General Counsel and provide legal advice and counsel to internal clients on all aspects of the law including but not limited to franchising, general corporate, real estate leasing and new store development, IT, supply and distribution, intellectual property, and litigation matters.

The diversity of this position requires a strong background in a variety of areas but with emphasis on franchising. This individual is expected to protect the assets of Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken® by anticipating and helping to prevent potential issues and lawsuits.

• Provides support to Chief Legal Officer and Deputy General Counsel on legal matters for the Company’s global business in 23 countries relating to franchise agreements, transfers, and compliance; intellectual property (registration and protection); supply and distribution; marketing; technology and privacy.
• Provides support in drafting and filing of state and federal franchise disclosure documents in US, provincial disclosure documents in Canada and disclosure documents in other countries where required.
• Provides legal counsel in franchise enforcement issues (domestic and international) including defaults, terminations, workouts and litigation.
• Provides support in management of worldwide trademark portfolio including clearances, applications, registrations, enforcements and licensing.
• Provides support on business transactions and entering and exiting contractual relationships.
• Provide legal counsel and support on real estate leasing, commercial and real estate litigation, including ADA and eminent domain matters, and other methods of dispute resolution in areas of franchising and real estate.
• Participates in the development, implementation and enforcement of corporate policies, procedures and programs.
• Responsible for the selection, retention, management and evaluation of external counsel.
• Stays current on pertinent legal and regulatory developments including international laws and regulations.
• Review a wide variety of technology contracts including SaaS, MSAs for Professional Services, Subscription Services and License Agreements.
• Advise on data protection laws, regulations and best practices regarding privacy laws.

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; license to practice law in a state in the U.S.
• 5-7 years practicing law in a law firm or an in-house legal department preferably within the restaurant, retail or franchising sectors
• Experience in corporate transactions required
• Experience in franchising, litigation and intellectual property/trademark law preferred but not required
• Must have experience as a lawyer within a dynamic, fast paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and can effectively interact with all levels within the organization
• Ability to facilitate meetings with strong presentation skills
• Innovative thinker with strong problem solving skills
• Skilled negotiator who is flexible and able to think “outside the box”
• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal skills are required
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities and demands while being dedicated to customer service
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Has excellent project management skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Must have an understanding of legal principles and practices, contract, corporate and business law
• Demonstrates understanding of methods, procedures and practices in the conduct of commercial litigation, judicial procedure and rules of evidence; pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations and court decisions; evaluation of practical consequences of legal strategies
• Ability to develop, maintain and coordinate effective relationships with stakeholders including…