General Counsel

Location : Bensenville, IL

If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.

Schedule : Monday-Friday 8 : 00 AM 5 : 00 PM

Status : Full Time (Exempt)

Compensation : Set at $200,000

Overview :

Midwest Distribution is seeking an experienced and highly skilled General Counsel to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide strategic legal advice and counsel to the executive team and manage all legal aspects of the business, including regulatory compliance, contracts, intellectual property, and litigation matters.

This role requires an in-depth understanding of the vape industry and the regulatory landscape affecting it. This is an onsite, full-time position located at our headquarters.

Key Responsibilities :

• Legal Strategy and Advice :
• Provide strategic legal advice to the MD and senior management on a variety of legal matters.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to protect the company's interests and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Advise on legal implications of the company’s activities, ensuring legal compliance and risk management.

Regulatory Compliance :

• Ensure the company complies with all federal, state, and local regulations related to the vape industry.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the business and advise on necessary actions.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and represent the company in regulatory matters.

Contract Management :

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including supplier agreements, distribution agreements, and partnership contracts.
• Ensure contracts align with the company’s business objectives and mitigate risks.
• Manage contract disputes and negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes for the company.

Intellectual Property :

• Oversee the protection of the company’s intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Manage the company’s IP portfolio, ensuring timely filings and renewals.
• Enforce IP rights through litigation or other dispute resolution mechanisms.

Litigation Management :

• Manage and oversee all litigation matters involving the company.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel as necessary.
• Develop strategies to minimize litigation risk and resolve disputes efficiently.

Corporate Governance :

• Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with corporate governance policies and best practices.
• Support the preparation and management of board meetings, including drafting agendas, minutes, and resolutions.
• Ensure proper maintenance of corporate records and filings.

Risk Management :

• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with the company’s operations, including product liability, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to manage and reduce risk.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential legal issues.

Qualifications :

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Bar membership in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction.
• A minimum of 10 years of legal experience, (experience in the vape or related industries is preferred.)
• Proven experience in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, intellectual property, and litigation management.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory environment affecting the vape industry.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience in a corporate legal department or as in-house counsel.
• Knowledge of international laws and regulations related to the vape industry.
• Experience with corporate governance and managing board relations.
• Familiarity with product liability law and consumer protection regulations.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, smartphones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;

reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, onsite position at Midwest Distribution’s headquarters. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 AM to 5 : 00 PM.

Travel

Travel will be required between multiple office buildings.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None.

Work Authorization

Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

What We Offer

• Annual Performance Review - Up to 3% at 90-day Review. Up to 8% at yearly review
• Annual Perfect Attendance gift card Ceremony
• Casual Work Environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Birthday Celebration with Gift Card Distribution
• Employee of the Month Celebration
• Generous Paid Time off Program
• Insurance Coverage which includes Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Monthly Company Activities and Celebrations
• Monthly Manager Lunches
• Paid Holidays
• Potential for Advancement
• Spotlight Employee Recognition
• 401(k) with Employer Match

Midwest Goods Inc. was founded in 2014 and is a wholesale distributor of vape and electronic cigarette products. We rely on meeting our ethical principles and maintaining our business integrity, as well as our approach to our business which we call Service Spirit, Team Spirit, and Spirit of Progress.

Midwest Distribution is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race; color; religion; genetic information;
• national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform service member status;

or any other protected class under Federal, State, or local law.

Midwest Distribution is committed to creating a workplace that inspires and enables our employees to be the best they can be so that we can grow as a company, team, and family.

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