Associate Corporate Counsel

Job Title: Associate Corporate Counsel

Position Summary:

Blue Rock Search has partnered with an established and expanding global restaurant franchisor to identify their next Associate Corporate Counsel. Under the guidance of the Senior Corporate Counsel, the Associate Corporate Counsel will provide direct legal support to business units and leadership. This role will be responsible for advising on a broad range of commercial, operational, regulatory, and compliance matters, with a strong focus on contracts, corporate governance, franchise matters, real estate, and risk mitigation. The ideal candidate is a business‑minded, solutions‑oriented attorney with excellent judgment, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced and growing organization. The role also works with international stakeholders and partners and requires strong communication skills and cultural agility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Maintain and improve the contract management system, templates, and legal workflows.
• Provide timely, practical legal guidance to business teams to support operational decision‑making.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including preparing board and corporate documents, maintaining corporate records, and supporting entity management.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and managing compliance programs, policies, and training
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes affecting the business and recommend updates to policies and procedures.
• Support franchise operations and assist with FDD updates and renewals.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on franchise, litigation, employment, real estate, and other specialized matters.
• Support dispute resolution, demand responses, and pre‑litigation strategy.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• California Bar admission or ability to obtain RIHC registration
• 2–5 years of legal experience, preferably with at least some in‑house experience or a mix of law firm and in‑house practice.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of matters with competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to non‑legal audiences.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a practical, business‑focused mindset.
• Ability to demonstrate discretion, sound judgment, and confidentiality.
• Experience working in global or cross‑cultural environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: franchise law, commercial real estate, corporate governance, compliance, and construction law.
• Experience working in the food & beverage and/or franchise industry would be a plus.
• Experience supporting international organizations or working across time zones.

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