Counsel

Duties and Responsibilities * Litigation & Dispute Management: o Oversee pre-litigation matters and manage active litigation in collaboration with outside counsel.

o Review pleadings, monitor case strategy and progress, and help manage litigation budgets and timelines.

o Maintain internal systems for litigation tracking, reporting, and risk assessment.

o Assist with litigation holds; discovery responses; and gathering documents requested in discovery or by third parties.

o Assist with insurance issues related to litigation, including coverage disputes and communication with third parties * Commercial Contracts: o Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, NDAs, and technology agreements.

o Provide practical, risk-based advice to internal stakeholders during contract negotiations.

* Franchise Support: o Provide legal guidance on franchise-related matters, including franchisee disputes, terminations, and contract enforcement.

o Collaborate on updates to franchise agreements and disclosure documents as needed.

o Review and draft franchise documents for transfers, new openings, and terminations and support the Contracts team as needed.

* General Legal Support: o Support cross-functional teams including operations, marketing, sales, and HR on a variety of legal issues.

o Assist in developing internal legal resources, policies, and training materials.

o Stay informed on relevant legal and regulatory developments.

* Regulatory & Risk Management o Maintain policies and procedures to promote a culture of compliance across the franchise network.

o Track regulatory developments and implement changes in compliance practices as needed.

o Monitor and assist with insurance compliance of franchisees.

o Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications * Required o J.D.

from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.

o 2-5 years of legal experience, including experience in litigation management and/or commercial contract review.

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear, business-oriented legal advice.

o Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and managing multiple priorities.

o Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

o Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office * Preferred o Experience working in-house or advising clients in a franchising, multi-unit, or consumer-facing business model.

o Familiarity with the legal and regulatory framework governing franchising (FTC Franchise Rule, state laws, etc.). o Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets.