Associate General Counsel

Challenge Manufacturing•Walker, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate General Counsel to join its legal team. The role manages litigation and helps protect the company’s legal interests through contract drafting, negotiation, and management, while providing ongoing counsel to management. The position is based at the company’s Corporate Office in Walker, Michigan. The Associate General Counsel oversees litigation, including employment litigation, and develops case strategies, coordinates with external counsel, and ensures effective case management. The role may handle less complex matters in-house or work cooperatively with outside firms to perform substantial substantive case work. It also advises senior management and business units on risk assessment, contract disputes, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property; develops legal strategies and compliance and risk-management programs; monitors legal developments; and reviews, drafts, and negotiates agreements. The role supports Learning and Development programs on legal issues, contributes to department goals and budgets, and manages team-related HR responsibilities, including professional development, performance reviews, and recruitment. The Associate General Counsel also collaborates with executive leadership on the organization’s long-term mission and goals and supports that mission through talent management.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in Michigan and a clean disciplinary record.
At least 5 years of litigation experience.
A proven track record of managing commercial litigation cases.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to develop strategic solutions and manage high-stakes situations.
In-depth understanding of legal principles related to automotive manufacturing, product liability, contract law, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to balance legal risks and business objectives.
Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
Detail-oriented and proactive in identifying and addressing potential legal issues.
Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate close cooperation with management, engineering, automation, and manufacturing teams.
Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, coworkers, and subordinates.
Strong conflict-resolution skills.
Strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical practices.
Thorough, accurate, and reliable in completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity.
Works with a sense of urgency to meet customer needs.

Nice To Haves

Litigation experience in the automotive industry or a related sector.
Experience working with automotive regulatory bodies and industry standards.
Previous experience in an in-house legal role or with a Tier 1 automotive supplier.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage all aspects of company litigation, including employment litigation; develop case strategies, coordinate with external counsel, and ensure effective case management.
Handle less complex litigation in-house or work cooperatively with outside firms, performing substantial substantive work on cases where appropriate.
Advise senior management and business units on risk assessment, contract disputes, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property matters.
Develop and implement legal strategies to mitigate risks and resolve disputes efficiently.
Collaborate with other departments to align business objectives with legal requirements.
Monitor and analyze legal trends and developments that may affect the company.
Develop and implement compliance programs and risk-management strategies.
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and agreements, ensuring they protect the company’s interests and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Provide input and support for Learning and Development programs addressing legal issues, including litigation and compliance.
Build and follow through on department goals and budgets.
Keep the team informed of relevant information and manage team HR responsibilities, including professional development, annual performance reviews, and recruitment participation.
Collaborate with executive leadership to define the organization’s long-term mission and goals and identify ways to support them through talent management.