Corporate Counsel

The Kendall Group•Grand Rapids, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career. Why The Kendall Group? Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success. Role Summary: The Corporate Counsel, reporting to the Executive Vice President & General Counsel, partners with the Company’s legal team, and business leaders to support the Company’s business objectives and ensure the Company’s legal, compliance and risk management functions operate smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. The Corporate Counsel understands that strong legal departments are most effective when they are approachable and solution focused and their work is practical, pragmatic and business oriented. The Corporate Counsel works collaboratively with leaders and teams throughout the company to provide timely, business-focused legal support related to commercial transactions, operational matters, corporate policies, and other legal issues impacting the organization. This role requires a broad range of legal skills, including demonstrated proficiency in commercial transactions as well as the ability to support legal matters involving disputes, claims, investigations, real estate and outside counsel coordination as needed.

Requirements

3 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance and/or real estate
Proven track record of confronting and successfully resolving complex legal and commercial matters with significant financial and business impact
Experience counseling business leaders on a variety of issues including commercial matters, contract negotiations, procurement-related matters, real estate, and best practices for corporate policies and procedures
Demonstrated ability to recognize and weigh business and legal risks and advance innovative solutions
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school, licensed and in good standing to practice law with at least one state bar
Strong understanding of contract law, corporate legal principles, and regulatory compliance
Ability to analyze legal issues, assess risk, and provide practical business-oriented recommendations
Experience working with MS Office with a heavy emphasis on Microsoft Word
Ability to collaborate with and engage additional commercial or technical resources when appropriate
Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Strong business acumen
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Ability manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, continuously evolving, and at times challenging environment
Ability to operate in a fast-paced and congenial work environment
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, work diplomatically, be approachable and foster relationships with individuals at all levels including Kendall Owner-Associates, customers, vendors and outside counsel
A team player with an open, mature and positive personality who collaborates effectively with others
Approachable, solution focused, and proactive legal counselor and business partner
Highly developed written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts
Excellent negotiation, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance
Ability to see, talk and hear
Ability to sit for 8 hours a day

Nice To Haves

5 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance and/or real estate

Responsibilities

Partner closely with business leaders and cross-functional counterparts to support the Company’s business objectives
Partner with business leaders to provide thoughtful legal guidance and practical business advice on a broad range of legal and compliance matters
Review, draft, negotiate, and interpret a variety of commercial agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, service agreements, and other business-related contracts
Support the company’s compliance efforts by assisting with the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, procedures, and training initiatives
Identify legal risks and recommend practical solutions that align with company objectives
Assist with legal support related to business transactions, operational initiatives, and strategic projects
Conduct legal research and prepare summaries, recommendations, and guidance on applicable laws and regulations
Support dispute resolution efforts, including claims management, negotiations, mediation, litigation support, and coordination with outside counsel when needed
Assist with corporate governance matters, document management, and maintenance of legal records
Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the Company and communicate relevant updates to leadership
Collaborate cross-functionally with departments including Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Sales, Safety, Information Technology, and Supply Chain
Support continuous improvement efforts related to legal operations, contract processes, compliance procedures, and risk management practices
Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned