Associate General Counsel

Associate General Counsel

Taco John's International in St. Louis Park, MN is looking to hire a full-time Associate General Counsel (AGC) to provide legal counsel and guidance in the activities of the company to ensure maximum protection of the corporation’s legal rights. The AGC is a key member of the legal team and works closely with Company leaders to ensure that the organization’s legal and ethical obligations are met. This role is responsible for driving the legal department to perform efficiently and effectively towards the Company’s goals.

Are you ready to work for a company that has a culture based on respect? Would you like to support the legal strategy for an established company in the food service industry? Do you want to be a part of an uplifting and fun team? If so, please read on!

This Associate General Counsel position earns a competitive salary of up to $140,000 per year. We provide fantastic benefits, including flexible work schedules, a 401(k) with match, medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, free/discounted food, educational reimbursement, paid time off (PTO), free uniforms, and life insurance. If this sounds like the right legal opportunity for you, apply today!

ABOUT TACO JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL

Starting as a small taco stand in Cheyenne, WY back in 1968, our one-of-a-kind tacos and other bold flavors were an instant hit in the community. Ever since that first taco stand, we have been all about bringing the flavor, from handmade salsas to our classic Crispy Tacos! Today, we operate and franchise nearly 400 restaurants in 23 states – making it one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in America. Ever heard of the iconic Taco Tuesday? We started it!

We continue to grow across the country – but some things never change. Like our uncompromising standards of food quality and customer service. Our team is the key to this, as they are the ones who diligently prepare food and serve our customers in each and every restaurant location. We make sure to maintain an uplifting and positive work environment and provide opportunities for growth and advancement.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

In this Associate General Counsel position, you will act as a legal advisor for the Company by providing legal advice to executive leadership and all Departments, including Marketing, IT, Supply Chain, Development, and Operations. You will draft, review, and negotiate all contracts for the company-owned restaurants. You will be responsible for maintaining the database of all contracts and legal documents, and tracking expiration and processing of contracts/legal documents through the contract lifecycle. As the AGC, you will partner closely with the Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Commercialization team and advise on food safety compliance and traceability programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and manage legal response to inquiries. The AGC provides legal counsel for intellectual property matters, including the protection and enforcement of trade secrets, trademarks, service marks, and copyright. In this role you will provide advice and support regarding marketing materials, contests, and products to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and menu labeling regulations. Additionally, you would provide day to day advice related to franchising and franchise system.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

• Doctoral degree (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school and active Bar license in good standing required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related legal experience
• Advanced knowledge of any of the following areas of law: commercial business, real estate, marketing/advertising, trademark, employment, bankruptcy, or litigation.
• Strong commercial contracts experience, including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating Master Service Agreements, technology and SaaS agreements, purchase agreements, leases, national beverage agreements, supply and logistics contracts, consulting agreements, construction contracts, professional services agreements, and other vendor contracts.
• Knowledge and experience in intellectual property matters, including trademark compliance and enforcement.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve business goals while minimizing legal risk.
• Ability to take ownership of and effectively resolve problems – self-starter with a high degree of resourcefulness.
• Solid organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and execute critical projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, editing, and negotiating skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and trustworthiness in all areas.
• Demonstrate commitment to highest standards of ethics and professional responsibility.
• Ability to travel 10%.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR LEGAL TEAM?

If you feel that you would be right for this Associate General Counsel position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!

Location: 55416