Associate Counsel - Contracts

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) • Pullman, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Associate Counsel – Contracts plays a key role in driving the business forward by reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a wide range of business critical agreements, including sales, purchasing, government, and construction contracts. This role operates in a fast paced environment, partnering closely with sales, operations, and leadership teams to solve practical problems. Beyond contracts, the position supports a variety of general legal needs, offering exposure to multiple areas of the business. You’ll join a collaborative, fun, and growing legal team while developing the mindset of a business person with legal skills. As an Associate Counsel, a typical day might include the following: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating business agreements, company policies, and other legal documents under the direction of supervising counsel. Providing legal support to assigned business units and subsidiaries. Researching legal issues and drafting legal memoranda in support of business needs. Applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing principles in legal work and business interactions. Identifying opportunities to understand business needs, create practical legal solutions, and simplify processes where possible. Performing other related duties as assigned. This job might be for you if you: Hold a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law. Are a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (or, if practicing in a foreign jurisdiction, are properly admitted and in good standing in such jurisdiction). Have a positive attitude. Demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving‑ skills. Possess strong research and writing skills. Have effective communication skills. Have the ability and willingness to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities. Have the ability to work individually and cooperatively in a team environment.

Requirements

• Hold a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law.
• Are a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (or, if practicing in a foreign jurisdiction, are properly admitted and in good standing in such jurisdiction).
• Have a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem solving‑ skills.
• Possess strong research and writing skills.
• Have effective communication skills.
• Have the ability and willingness to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Have the ability to work individually and cooperatively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Business and legal fluency in a second language
• Two years of experience practicing law and/or internship or clerkship experience
• Knowledge in applicable areas of law, which may include corporate, contracts, employment, intellectual property, and/or international

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating business agreements, company policies, and other legal documents under the direction of supervising counsel.
• Providing legal support to assigned business units and subsidiaries.
• Researching legal issues and drafting legal memoranda in support of business needs.
• Applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing principles in legal work and business interactions.
• Identifying opportunities to understand business needs, create practical legal solutions, and simplify processes where possible.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• We’re 100% employee owned.
• Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees