Job SummaryThe Associate Corporate Counsel serves as a key member of the Legal Department, providing legal support across commercial contracting, corporate governance, public company compliance, and strategic business initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, this role partners closely with Accounting, Operations, Development, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other business functions to identify risks, facilitate informed decision-making, and support company growth. The position offers a unique opportunity for an attorney early in their career to gain broad exposure to the legal operations of a publicly traded, multi-state restaurant company while building a foundation for future leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate is business-minded, collaborative, and eager to take ownership of day-to-day legal matters while developing expertise in corporate transactions, securities compliance, governance, and commercial contracting.
Essential Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position's duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
Commercial Contracting & Business Support- Conduct legal review of vendor, technology, marketing, supply chain, consulting, licensing, and other commercial agreements.
- Draft, review, revise, negotiate, and interpret contracts and related legal documents.
- Partner with business stakeholders to understand operational objectives and provide practical legal guidance.
- Coordinate legal review and approval processes in accordance with Company contract review procedures.
- Identify legal and business risks and recommend solutions that appropriately balance risk management and business objectives.
- Support development and maintenance of contract templates, playbooks, and legal department resources.
Corporate Governance & Securities Support- Support preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings.
- Assist with Board of Directors and committee governance activities.
- Support preparation of board materials, resolutions, corporate records, and governance documentation.
- Assist with annual shareholder meeting preparation and related governance activities.
- Maintain corporate entities and related state registrations and filings.
Corporate Transactions & Strategic Initiatives- Support mergers, acquisitions, financing activities, and other strategic transactions.
- Support enterprise risk management processes
- Assist with due diligence reviews, transaction document management, and integration activities.
- Coordinate with outside counsel and internal stakeholders on transaction-related matters.
- Support legal aspects of new business initiatives and growth opportunities.
Legal Operations & Compliance- Assist with litigation management, subpoenas, and regulatory inquiries.
- Support policy development and compliance initiatives.
- Conduct legal and regulatory research.
- Partner with Accounting on financial reporting, disclosure controls, and compliance-related matters.
- Participate in legal department process improvements and special projects.
QualificationsRequired- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active license and good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
- Licensed to practice law in Florida or ability to obtain Florida Authorized House Counsel licensure within a reasonable period following hire
- Two (2) to five (5) years of legal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Preferred- Experience supporting corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities compliance, or commercial contracting
- Experience working with a publicly traded company
- Experience within the restaurant, retail, hospitality, franchise, consumer-facing, or multi-unit operating environment
- Experience with Copilot, Harvey or other similar AI tools
- Prior in-house legal experience
- Familiarity with SEC reporting requirements and public company governance practices
