Corporate Counsel

KOA•Billings, MT

About The Position

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to join its Legal Department. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role provides legal guidance to company leadership on business transactions, corporate and regulatory compliance, litigation, risk management, franchise support, and organizational matters. The position supports a company with more than 500 locations in the United States and Canada and handles varied legal responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. The position may be based at KOA’s Home Office in Billings, Montana, or be remote. It may involve occasional travel to company locations, events, and legal seminars, and may require attention to urgent legal matters outside standard business hours. The Corporate Counsel is expected to work independently while communicating effectively with internal stakeholders. The role covers commercial contract management; litigation support and coordination with outside counsel; legal compliance and risk mitigation; intellectual property portfolio support; insurance programs and claims; employment and human resources matters; corporate governance and licensing in the United States and Canada; franchise operations; and legal research and advice. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at any time.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active bar license; Montana bar license preferred.
At least 5 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house.
Demonstrated expertise in contract review and negotiation.
Strong background in litigation management or litigation support.
Proven experience with insurance management, including coverage analysis and claims handling.
Substantive employment law experience.
General knowledge of corporate law matters and business operations.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts to business audiences.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard and to lift and carry a laptop and other small items up to 20 pounds.
Ability to perform work involving prolonged computer-screen exposure and repetitive motion, and sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and walking short distances.
Ability to drive to KOA and other locations and conferences, with the vision and mobility needed to operate a vehicle and observe road conditions and traffic.
Ability to travel in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Nice To Haves

Franchising experience and familiarity with franchise regulations, including the FTC Franchise Rule and state franchise laws.
Liquor licensing and compliance experience supporting campground alcohol sales across multiple jurisdictions.
Familiarity with Montana business law and regulations.
Project management experience.
Experience working as in-house counsel.
Experience managing litigation and working with outside counsel.
Interest in outdoor hospitality and recreation, such as camping, RVing, or glamping.
Montana bar license.

Responsibilities

Review, draft, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts, including franchise, vendor, service, and operational agreements.
Manage litigation matters, coordinate with outside counsel, assist with discovery, and develop litigation strategies.
Promote compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies across business operations.
Assist with maintaining and expanding trademark, copyright, and patent portfolios, including enforcement when necessary.
Oversee company insurance programs, claims management, policy reviews, and coordination with insurance carriers, managers, and panel counsel.
Advise on employment and human resources matters, including litigation, employee relations, investigations, wage and hour issues, ADA/FMLA matters, policies, and compliance.
Assist with employment-related policies and training programs aligned with company culture and values.
Support the Executive Team on corporate governance in the United States and Canada and compliance for KOA and its subsidiaries, including liquor licensing.
Advise and support franchise-related legal matters and ensure compliance with franchise agreements.
Conduct legal research and provide written and oral legal opinions to business units.
Travel occasionally to company locations, events, and legal seminars, and attend to urgent legal matters outside standard business hours as needed.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned.