Corporate Counsel, Real Estate & Franchise

Bagel Brands•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$108,678 - $181,130

About The Position

At Caribou Coffee we create day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of GOOD! This is our purpose. Our team brings this to life by focusing on what’s really important around here – TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS! It’s that simple. If you’re ready to work somewhere you can be yourself while making an impact on your community, creating life-long relationships, and serving the best coffee around, join our herd! Apply today and be part of the ‘Bou Crew! Position Overview: The Corporate Counsel – Real Estate & Franchise provides legal advice across all aspects of the Company’s franchise program and its real estate, development, and construction activities, including leasing, acquisitions, and lease portfolio management. This role partners closely with the development team to negotiate and draft a wide range of commercial real estate agreements, such as broker agreements, construction contracts, work letters, letters of intent, retail leases, SNDAs, estoppels, and related documents, while supporting timely and efficient execution of growth initiatives. In parallel, this role supports the management and expansion of the Company’s coffeehouse franchise system by assisting with the preparation and maintenance of Franchise Disclosure Documents, negotiating franchise and area development agreements, and supporting compliance with applicable franchise laws and regulations across relevant jurisdictions. Through this dual focus, the Corporate Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor who helps advance the Company’s strategic objectives by balancing legal risk with practical business solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree plus J.D. from an accredited law school
Admitted to the Bar in Minnesota (and in good standing) or eligible for admission under Rule 10
3-7 years of relevant legal experience with strong emphasis on retail leasing or retail development
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Prior franchise law experience
In-house experience with a national or regional retailer or developer
Proficiency with legal research and Matter or Lease Management systems (Tango, Legal Tracker, etc.)

Responsibilities

General Real Estate Legal Counsel Draft, negotiate and review a wide variety of retail leasing related documents in support of business growth initiatives and the existing coffeehouse portfolio including lease amendments and modifications, renewals, letter agreements, construction contracts and agreements, work letters, guarantees, SNDA’s, estoppels, exclusives and use restrictions, restrictive covenants and conditions, default notices and responses to same, and similar real estate related documents.
Research and provide written and verbal legal advice on a wide variety of development, real estate and construction legal issues throughout the development and lease life cycles.
Participate in various cross-functional meetings and workstreams to provide legal counsel for company development and portfolio initiatives and maintenance of a healthy portfolio.
Proactively and creatively resolve any issues that arise in negotiation to avoid delays and expedite execution while maintaining uniform leasing standards and reducing risk.
Manage and direct outside counsel as needed, particularly when managing any litigation, with a focus on maintaining efficient spend.
Partner with real estate and facilities teams in the day-to-day management of real estate portfolio.
Provide legal support for broker, developer or landlord disputes and pre-litigation matters as well as issues relating to coffeehouse construction and facilities maintenance, and lease administration matters.
Manage Lease Administrator to ensure lease administration system is effective, maintains accurate lease portfolio records and provides proper reporting.
Ensure proper tracking of lease expiration dates, renewals, options and other critical milestones and assist the real estate and finance teams with advice on renewal decisions.
Franchise Legal Counsel Support the drafting, review, and administration of franchise‑related agreements, including franchise agreements, area development agreements, amendments, renewals, and transfers.
Assist with the preparation, updating, and state registration of Franchise Disclosure Documents and coordinate responses to franchise regulatory inquiries.
Advise business and operations teams on day‑to‑day franchise matters, including brand standards, marketing initiatives, supply and distribution requirements, and franchisee communications.
Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local franchise laws and help implement policies and training to reduce regulatory and operational risk.
Manage routine franchise disputes and compliance issues, including notices of default and termination, while coordinating with senior counsel and outside advisors as needed.
Other General Legal Counsel Support the Legal Team and Chief Legal Officer with various other relevant matters or special projects as they arise, for example, other legal compliance, contract or corporate matters.
People Leadership Lead, direct, and mentor the Lease Administrator, ensuring proper guidance and strategic direction are provided to perform their duties effectively and in alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Take ownership of the team’s deliverables, ensuring high-quality work that meets business needs and aligns with organizational priorities.
Set performance expectations and regularly monitor progress, providing constructive feedback and coaching as needed.
Foster a positive team culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and adherence to Caribou’s core values, leading by example in demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Serve as a champion for organizational change, effectively communicating the vision, rationale, and benefits of transformation initiatives.
Lead a team through periods of change with clarity and confidence, fostering resilience and adaptability.