Director, Associate General Counsel

Church’s Texas Chicken

Employee Job Description

Job Title:                     Director, Associate General Counsel     

Reports To (Title):       VP, Deputy General Counsel    

Department:                 Legal

Job Summary:

This position is based in the Atlanta Restaurant Support Center. The Associate General Counsel will support the Chief Legal Officer, Deputy General Counsel, and Sr. Director, Associate General Counsel and provide legal advice and counsel to internal clients on all aspects of the law including but not limited to corporate, real estate leasing, IT, and contract management.  The diversity of this position requires a strong background in a variety of areas but with emphasis on real estate and contract management. 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.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides support to Chief Legal Officer, Deputy General Counsel, and Sr. Director, Associate General Counsel on legal matters for the Company’s global business in 23 countries relating to supply and distribution; marketing; technology and privacy.
• 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. 

Position Requirements (Education, Qualifications, Experience):

• 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 real estate, contract management, and 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 business units and our global franchisee community.

Physical Requirements:

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. If you’re hungry for a career that’s fun, fast-paced and loaded with opportunity, then you’ve come to the right place. At Church's®, we’re not your typical quick service restaurant. We make real comfort food that makes a difference in peoples’ lives. And for over 60 years, our restaurant has been a place where hard-working people can get ahead and go on to do amazing things by serving others.

2. Church’s Chicken is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes hiring and employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.