Associate General Counsel

The Associate General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, providing expert legal counsel on corporate, employment, compliance, intellectual property, and commercial matters. This role requires a proactive and business-minded attorney capable of managing multiple projects, supporting business transactions, and ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local laws impacting the restaurant and hospitality industry.

This is a remote position that requires a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and independence.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Corporate & Regulatory Compliance

Advise on corporate governance matters and support the drafting and review of company policies and procedures.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including labor and employment regulations, health and safety standards, and data privacy laws.

Oversee business licensing, permits, and franchise regulatory filings.

2. Contract Management

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, leases, service agreements, and NDAs.

Implement and maintain a contract management system to track key dates, renewals, and obligations.

3. Employment Law Support

Advise Human Resources on employment-related matters, including employee relations, wage and hour compliance, and workplace policies.

Support investigations, disciplinary actions, and termination decisions while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

4. Risk Management & Litigation

Identify potential legal risks and propose strategies to minimize exposure.

Manage outside counsel on litigation, arbitration, and other legal proceedings.

Assist in resolving disputes efficiently while maintaining the companys reputation and legal standing.

5. Mergers, Acquisitions & Expansion Support

Support corporate development initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, franchise development, and strategic partnerships.

Conduct due diligence and ensure proper documentation and legal structure alignment.

6. Intellectual Property & Brand Protection

Protect the companys trademarks, trade secrets, and other intellectual property assets.

Coordinate with marketing and operations teams to ensure proper IP use and protection.

Qualifications & Requirements :

Education & Licensing :

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (in good standing).

Experience :

Minimum 3+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house counsel background.

Experience within the hospitality, restaurant, or retail industries strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of corporate, contract, and employment law.

Skills & Competencies :

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.

Sound judgment with a proactive, business-oriented mindset.

Exceptional attention to detail and high ethical standards.