Sr Assistant Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Job Title: Sr Assistant Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Department: Legal, Compliance & Audit

Country: United States of America

State/Province: Arkansas

City: Lowell

Full/Part Time: Full time

Job Summary: Under general supervision, this position is responsible for working with high-level business leaders to negotiate, draft, review, and mitigate risk in more complex agreements, and providing general legal advice to executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing and independent management of all contracting activities, including negotiating, drafting, and reviewing more complex contracts and contract-related documents with high-level executive exposure, such as transportation agreements, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, etc.
• Track status of contract negotiation from initial draft to execution, providing updates to leadership and other internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including high-level business leaders, on a wide variety of legal matters, including risk and control issues; provide support on commercial concerns, negotiations, and regulatory issues across a broad range of legal subjects.
• Advise high-level business leaders on contractual legal matters, demonstrating independent problem-solving ability and decision-making skills.
• Research and continuously learn in order to stay abreast of current and evolving laws and regulations applicable to the Company and industry.
• Ensure contractual obligations comply with the Company’s policies and business practices and the industry's regulations, concepts, practices, standards, and procedures.
• Use legal knowledge, independent judgment, and creativity to recommend alternative solutions to contract and legal issues.
• Review and summarize complex legacy legal agreements and provide clear advice as to Company obligations and interpretation of source documents. Maintain ongoing awareness of practical and legal implications and consequences of provisions in legacy agreements to avoid similar risk in future agreements in an effort to continuously improve negotiation strategies and quality of agreements.
• Draft internal memorandum clearly and concisely summarizing and explaining complex contractual terms, legal issues, and business risks for review by high-level business leaders, including c‑suite executives.
• Coach and train junior attorneys and paralegals on negotiation, drafting, and reviewing contracts and internal policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited Law School with at least 4 years of relevant experience. Licensed to practice law (and in good standing) in at least one jurisdiction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admission to the Arkansas Bar.
• Experience negotiating, drafting, and reviewing transportation and software/information technology agreements.
• Experience with real estate transactions and contracts.
• Experience working in a corporate legal environment/department.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience coaching and training less experienced professionals.
• Experience in the transportation industry.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience (post law school).
• Excellent project management skills, writing skills, listening and oral communications skills, diplomacy, finesse and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business judgment and skill in distinguishing between high and low priority legal issues.
• Ability to effectively communicate with and influence business leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to make independent, time‑sensitive decisions, showing strong business judgment.
• Ability to prioritize legal and business issues in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism while dealing with difficult individuals.
• Strong attention to detail in high‑stress and high‑stakes negotiations.
• Proficient active listening skills.
• Self‑motivation.
• Ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.

Compensation: Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include skills, education, experience, geography, and other qualifications of the…