Sr. Corporate Counsel - Franchising

Description

The Jollibee Group is the largest restaurant company in the Philippines, operating more than 3,000 restaurants, including Jollibee, Burger King Philippines, Blue Ribbon, ChowKing, Greenwich Pizza, and with 30% of its restaurants outside the Philippines. Today, Jollibee is the 100% owner of Smashburger and seeks to solidify the brand in the U.S. before its next chapter of growth in the U.S. and abroad, which includes organic growth, unit expansion and new acquisitions. In July 2019, Jollibee announced the acquisition of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf moving further towards their vision of becoming one of the “Top Five” restaurant companies in the world. Jollibee is characterized by a culture of trust, humility, collaboration, decisiveness, and executional excellence. In North America, Jollibee Foods Corporation (USA) (“JFCUSA”) is integral to The Jollibee Group’s operation and expansion.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Corporate Counsel will report to the General Counsel (“GC”) for JFCUSA and will provide legal advice and services in support of the operations of JFCUSA and its affiliated entities. Assist in the preparation, review, and negotiation of documents for complex transactions and day-to-day matters. Prepare and review other documents to assist the business and functions of JFCUSA and its affiliates.

The Sr. Corporate Counsel will assist in protecting JFCUSA’s and its affiliates’ legal and ethical interests and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law. Provide hands-on counsel to all levels of staff, identify and analyze legal issues, draft key documents, present clear recommendations to GC and management, and assure legal compliance. Provide advice on several legal specializations including procurement, employment, litigation, marketing, etc. with a focus on franchising, including, but not limited to, franchise disclosure documents, development agreements, franchise agreements, vendor contracts supporting the franchise community and franchisor field operational support.

The Sr. Corporate Counsel position requires a generalist background with a working knowledge of a variety of legal disciplines and demonstrate franchising knowledge and experience. The successful candidate will likely coordinate with in-house counsel and staff and will communicate with outside counsel. JFCUSA’s environment is fast paced, high performance and unstructured. There is no “typical day” – every day is a different challenge.

The successful candidate is an accomplished attorney with at least 5 years of legal experience in generalist practice, with experience in franchise law, who is currently or has previously been a practicing attorney with a law firm and/or inhouse counsel of a franchisor or franchisee company. The position may require travel in the United States and internationally.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the negotiation, drafting and execution of JFCUSA’s agreements including manufacturing, distribution, supply, service, financing and purchase and sale agreements as well as franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements and amendments thereto.
• Manage litigation, including monitoring claims filed against or on behalf of JFCUSA, including judging the merits of disputes, developing litigation strategies and negotiating settlements of disputes where warranted. Claims may include enforcing franchisee terminations, contract obligations and protecting intellectual property rights.
• Advise on franchise marketing materials, default notices, franchisee committees, and any and all aspects of the franchisor/franchisee relationship.
• Provide day-to-day legal counsel and training to multiple levels of staff within JFCUSA.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong critical thinker and problem solver with a positive attitude.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to deviate from a schedule.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle many projects at once.
• Extremely responsive.
• Ability to roll up one’s sleeves and do the work.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively.
• Can demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to communicate with everyone from top executives to store-level employees.
• Ability to stand behind convictions, demonstrate initiative and think creatively.
• Organized and reliable.
• Team-player with will to win.

Education and Experience:

• At least 5 years of legal experience.
• Graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
• Licensed in Colorado or California or ability to be registered as inhouse counsel in Colorado or California
• Attorney at law firm and/or in-house experience.
• Generalist and franchise experience.
• The ultimate candidate is one who received good training at a law firm and then transitioned to an in­house position.

Additional Information:

This position will be located in Denver, Colorado (preferred) or West Covina, California and require a minimum of 3 days per week in office.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Prolonged sitting, lifting of 10 lbs or less, repetitive activities such as typing are required. JFCUSA is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.

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