Position Overview: The General Counsel oversees and manages the provision of all legal services to the company to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law. Provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support to management and the CEO on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues related to the company. The General Counsel works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides legal counsel and guidance to the officers of the company and other upper management on all legal matters relevant to the company, including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and laws pertaining to employees, contracts, liability and insurance matters, and other laws and regulations
- Anticipates and identifies legal issues and counsels executives of the company and other upper Management to develop legal strategies and solutions
- Maintains all Company Secretary of State filings and other applicable certifications
- Maintains and tracks all Company contracts, including expiration and renewal deadlines
- Reviews, researches, interprets, and prepares both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues
- Drafts and reviews all contracts, leases, and other legal documents; researches legal issues and recommends revisions as necessary
- Represents or oversees the representation of the company and upper management in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other companies
- Develops and manages annual budgets for the legal department and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses
- Selects and retains outside counsel, as required, to obtain legal opinions or to handle claims and litigation.
- Supervises legal work of all outside counsel; consults on difficult or sensitive issues
- Provides training/advice to the company on various legal issues through meetings and presentations
- Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in law and in other related areas
- Other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations which impact on all facets of company policy and operations
- Knowledge of contract law, with several years’ experience of drafting and revising contracts, including vendor agreements and distribution agreements
- Knowledge of creating new companies and LLCs in various states, including Florida
- Knowledge of Stock Option Agreements, including company stock options plan, warrants for companies, and stock options for Independent Contractors
- Ability to manage court cases regarding breach of contract and various other issues
- Ability to help coordinate fundraising rounds, including assisting outside counsel with PPM documents and tracking moneys raised.
- Knowledge and Experience on facilitating M/A between various companies, including international deals.
- Knowledge of Employment Law, IP Law and Privacy Law
- Knowledge of government contracting law, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) compliance, contract vehicles, and regulatory requirements applicable to federal vendors and service providers
- Knowledge of securities law and public company compliance requirements, including SEC reporting obligations, disclosure requirements, and corporate governance standards applicable to publicly traded companies
- Experience working as a vendor or customer with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and/or Department of Energy (DOE), with familiarity with agency-specific procurement processes, compliance frameworks, and regulatory requirements
- Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others; to plan and organize work; and to communicate effectively
- Ability to interpret and apply laws and prepare opinions, briefs, and other documents
- Ability to demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior
- Ability to retain a broad knowledge of tasks performed in department
- Organizational ability with strong supervisory and management skills
- Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skills, self-motivated and self-starter
- Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Ability to work with co-workers, members, and outside business customers and executives professionally and tactfully
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to the management team, executives, and the CEO
- Ability to prepare and maintain budget for the legal department
- Ability to forecast potential areas of exposure and minimize potential liability
- Ability to hire and manage outside counsel on a variety of legal matters
- Strong negotiation and research skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of Lexion/DocuSign a plus
- Knowledge of CARTA a plus
Job Specific Requirements and Qualifications
- Ability to work in an office setting.
- May require extended hours including evenings and weekends or occasional travel.
Certification and License Requirements
- Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Florida or be able to apply for an in-house counsel certification.
Special Requirements and Working Conditions
- Ability to work in an office setting
- May require extended hours including evenings and weekends or occasional travel.
Work Experience: At least ten (10) years prior experience as in-house counsel or representing and defending businesses. At least ten (10) years of broad-based professional legal experience in the areas of contracts, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, employment, negotiations, business, telecommunications, commercial transactions, insurance, information technology, corporate governance, and intellectual property. Prior experience with government contracts is required, including demonstrated knowledge of federal procurement regulations and compliance obligations applicable to vendors and customers of federal agencies. Experience working with or on behalf of publicly traded companies, including familiarity with SEC compliance and public company governance, is required. Prior exposure to contracting or regulatory matters involving one or more of the following federal agencies is strongly preferred: Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and/or Department of Energy (DOE).
Education: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Training Requirements: On the job training and Intradepartmental training as appropriate.
