Sr. Counsel

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

11d•$170,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Every moment of every day, people all over the world turn to Panasonic to make their lives simpler, more enjoyable, more productive and more secure. Since our founding almost a century ago, we’ve been committed to improving peoples’ lives and making the world a better place–one customer, one business, one innovative leap at a time. Come join our journey! This role provides dedicated, on‑site legal support to a complex, active construction project, embedding legal expertise directly with project teams to manage contracts, claims, commercial issues, and risk in real time. The position is intended to support efficient project execution and reduce escalation and disputes. At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions. This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school; admitted to a state bar
Minimum 7 years of relevant legal experience, including significant experience supporting active construction in an in house, project based, or construction focused practice
Strong background in construction, commercial, and real estate law
Demonstrated experience negotiating and advising on complex construction agreements and resolving project level disputes
Some experience advising on EHS matters in a construction or industrial environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to non legal audiences
Regular interaction with project leadership, contractors, consultants, and business stakeholders
Collaboration with overseas affiliates as needed on construction or commercial matters
Ability to provide practical, business focused guidance and informal training to project teams on key legal issues
This role is based in the De Soto, Kansas office
Regular on-site presence required
Occasional travel may be required

Responsibilities

Serve as embedded legal advisor to the KS team, attending on‑site project meetings most days of the week and providing real‑time guidance on contractual, commercial, and risk issues.
Assist project teams in addressing and resolving day‑to‑day issues and disputes with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, exercising sound judgment and discretion to avoid unnecessary escalation or disruption to the construction project or ongoing operations.
Negotiate, draft, review, and interpret construction-related agreements in close coordination with on-site project teams, including AIA form modifications, design and engineering agreements, change orders, amendments, construction change directives, notices to proceed, and claim correspondence.
Serve as primary on-site legal support for commercial and operational agreements necessary to support construction activities and ongoing site operations.
Negotiate and draft leases, service agreements, procurement agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, and other commercial arrangements, ensuring alignment with project schedules, operational needs, and risk management objectives.
Provide on‑site legal advice on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) matters as they relate to construction activities and ongoing operations. Partner with EHS, project management, and operations teams to support compliance, manage risk, and address EHS‑related issues arising during active construction.
Support on‑site resolution of construction claims, warranty issues, mechanic’s liens, and other project‑related disputes.
Work closely with project leadership to manage risk, preserve contractor and consultant relationships, and minimize schedule, cost, or operational impacts.
Serve as on-site legal advisor to construction project teams, attending project meetings most days of the week and providing real-time guidance on contractual, commercial, and risk issues.
Assist project teams in addressing and resolving day-to-day issues and disputes with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, exercising sound judgment and discretion to avoid unnecessary escalation.
Negotiate, draft, and interpret construction related agreements, including AIA form modifications, design agreements, change orders, amendments, construction change directives, notices to proceed, and claim correspondence.
Support resolution of construction claims, warranty issues, mechanic’s liens, and other project-related disputes.
Negotiate and draft commercial agreements such as leases, service agreements, and procurement agreements as needed to support project operations.
Advise on environmental, health and safety (EHS) matters as they relate to construction activities and ongoing operations.
Partner closely with project management, engineering, procurement, and operations teams to align legal advice with business objectives, schedule considerations, and practical realities of construction execution.
Implement and support contracting strategies, policies, and procedures designed to streamline operations and manage risk across the project lifecycle.
High emotional intelligence with the ability to operate effectively in high pressure, fast paced, and multidisciplinary project environments
Sound, practical business judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with project schedule, cost, and relationship considerations
Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage evolving issues and priorities in real time
Proven problem solving skills with a pragmatic, solution oriented approach
Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with diverse internal and external stakeholders

Benefits

Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

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