Legal Counsel, North America

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.

With over 8,000 employees and U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally.

We’re built on sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities for a better future.

Summary

Must live in Chicago – hybrid work environment with Chicago office presence of minimum 3 days per week. The Legal Counsel will assist the legal team in supporting regional businesses (North America – US & Canada, Europe, APAC) with legal matters under the guidance of senior legal counsel and the Assistant General Counsel, North America. The goal is to protect the company’s interests, facilitate business objectives, and overcome legal and regulatory challenges.

The role is not just a legal resource but also a trusted advisor to the business.

What You’ll Do

• Act as a legal resource and trusted advisor to the business.

• Review and draft legal agreements and documents under supervision of senior counsel.

• Assist with product litigation, including organization, review and preparation of discovery materials and interaction with outside counsel.

• Review and advise clients on publishable documentation to ensure consistency with company intellectual property and product standards.

• Advise on environmental, social, governance and sustainability matters and participate in the Sustainability / ESG global practice group.

• Track legislation and regulation and develop relevant reporting.

• Represent the legal function in various internal company projects.

• Perform legal administrative tasks such as reviewing outside counsel billing, preparing filings and reports, and attending company presentations.

• Assist in identifying and protecting intellectual property generated by research organizations and manufacturing units.

• Develop familiarity with trade secret protection processes and provide guidance to R&D.

• Proactively share information or resources to aid the success of others and the organization.

What You’ll Bring

• Juris Doctor degree required.

• Minimum of four years of experience as outside counsel or in‑house counsel preferably in a corporate manufacturing environment.

• Experience with contract and document review/drafting.

• Licensed to practice law in one of the 50 states; ability to waive into Illinois bar required.

• Preferred: experience reviewing and advising on marketing materials, advertisements, press releases, informational materials, warranties, product literature, and websites with proper trademark and attribution considerations.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledgeable about relevant law and civil litigation procedures.

• Basic knowledge of trademark and trade secret laws.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Professional demeanor with high integrity.

• Ability to influence and gain commitment across different interpersonal styles.

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships over large geographic and time differences.

• Initiative; can work independently and in a team.

• Strong problem‑solving and solution‑creating capabilities.

• Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

• Proactive, self‑motivated, and focused on results.

• Responsibility ownership and conscientious commitment to work.

• Team support and follow‑through on commitments.

• Open to feedback and improvement.

• Business acumen to recommend operational efficiencies.

• Eagerness to acquire new skills and knowledge.

What You’ll Receive

The current pay scale for this position is estimated at $145,000–$180,000, with placement depending on experience, skills and internal equity. The role is eligible for a bonus plan and a comprehensive benefits program.

• Low‑cost co‑pay health insurance (medical, dental, prescription, vision), effective day one.

• 401(k) retirement plan with 100% match up to 6% of salary.

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