General Counsel
Resume:
Robert D. Bridge, JD, MBA
Cary, Illinois 60013
**********@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-bridge-j-d-m-b-a-211380/
SUMMARY
An experienced and highly resourceful senior corporate attorney, specializing in regulatory compliance, supply chain management, strategic planning, franchise/cooperative law, contract negotiation, litigation management, M&A oversight, staff coaching, and crisis resolution. A proven track record of solving complex legal issues and aligning business goals with sound legal guidance to drive exceptional results. Excels at building successful teams and leading others to achieve business targets and foster personal success. A driven and insightful leader who thrives in a multi-faceted legal role with a keen business emphasis.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
•Regulatory Compliance • Supply Chain Management
•Corporate Strategic Planning • Franchise/Cooperative Law
•Corporate Governance • FCPA
•Commercial Contract • Manufacturing
•Litigation • Wholesale
•Mergers and Acquisitions • Retail
•Record Retention • Legal/Litigation Hold
EXPERIENCE
TRUE VALUE COMPANY, Chicago, Illinois
Assistant General Counsel, Assistant Corporate Secretary
Senior Director Strategy and Continuous Improvement,
Senior Director of Regulatory Compliance, 1998-2020
Established and led company’s Regulatory Department. Directed and supervised legal/regulatory team and outside lawyers to ensure regulatory compliance at federal, state, and local levels. Chair of company’s cross functional Regulatory Compliance Committee including legal, quality control, manufacturing, and merchandising. Operated as main company liaison to government agencies and entities, including EPA, FDA, FAA, FTC, CARB, CPSC, SBA, NYDEC, State Departments of Securities, Franchising, and Agriculture. Managed staff of regulatory attorneys and associates to achieve compliance in robust regulatory environment. Provided advice and direction on legislative amendments, laws, rules, and other developments impacting ability to manufacture and bring products to market.
Primary Liaison with government agencies and product manufacturers to address product issues and resolve compliance challenges. Led legal team on all product compliance issues, including product recalls, Proposition 65, labeling guidelines, and product registrations. Drafted and conducted training modules on governmental inspections of company facilities, FSMA compliance, Proposition 65 compliance, and FCPA compliance. Developed and implemented all product recall processes and procedures and oversaw all product recall activities in coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory agencies.
Advised management and board of directors on shareholder, bylaws, charter, corporate governance, and liability issues. Maintained controlling corporate documents and agreements. Cultivated deep expertise in cooperative/franchise business
model. Led cross functional team to organize and administer annual stockholder meetings, including proxy drives and record keeping and notices. Prepared board resolutions, corporate minutes, and shareholder communications. Drafted amendments to corporate bylaws and other controlling corporate documents.
Established and maintained legal entities in both Shanghai, China and Hong Kong to provide product sourcing and consolidation services for products directly sourced from Asia. Oversaw trademark protection, record retention, shareholder relations, Blue Sky filings, and registrations. Drafted and administered enterprise-wide record retention schedule and policy, including training modules and litigation hold functions and features.
Conducted due diligence work on multiple acquisition opportunities. Participated in both pre- and post-close aspects of 2018 financial acquisition by private equity. Interpreted transactional documents and provided guidance and analysis on impact to operations. Drafted and negotiated variety of legal agreements, including commercial, non-disclosure, supplier, settlement, and incentive agreements among others. Drove business development increases through purchase agreements with customer base.
Led enterprise-wide team shaping strategy and continuous improvement to business model and operations. Handed mandate on freeing up underperforming resources and simplifying business practices, producing multi-million-dollar ongoing cost savings, operational efficiencies, and significant revenue enhancements in enterprise-wide initiatives (including omni channel, pricing, store growth, store incentive models, market segmentation, paper-less, and digital). Served on cross-functional teams to provide legal and business advise related to business development and growth. Drafted and negotiated business development incentive agreements that served as the vehicle for additional growth and sales increases.
Defended and prosecuted actions brought in multiple jurisdictions related to, among others, securities, franchise, product liability, breach of contract, Proposition 65, and wrongful death. Demonstrated natural ability to resolve complex issues favorably and cost-effectively. Prosecuted multi-million-dollar piercing of corporate veil action. Generated 300% year-over-year increases in dollars collected through breach of contract claims filed and negotiated settlements.
Served as primary legal contact to business groups providing counsel and advice on legal rights and obligations to all levels of company. Maintained specific functional focus in several key areas: finance, internal audit, merchandising, business development, investment, treasury, manufacturing, and logistics.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
WILL COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE, Joliet, Illinois,
Trial Attorney, 1996-1998.
Acquired significant courtroom and trial experience representing hundreds of court appointed clients through all phases of criminal justice system. Provided representation at arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, suppression hearings, post-trial motions, plea negotiations, mental health hearings, and both jury and bench trials. Maintained court docket, averaging up to 200 cases at any given time while supervising other attorneys and support staff. Obtained acquittals in majority of cases taken to trial, including not guilty verdicts in every case presented to jury.
EDUCATION
LAKE FOREST GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, Chicago, Illinois, M.B.A., 2006
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, Chicago, Illinois, Juris Doctorate, 1996
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, Canada
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY, University Park, Illinois, B.A., English 1991
LICENSURE/BAR ADMISSIONS
Illinois State Bar
Federal District Court,
Northern District of Illinois
AFFILIATIONS
Illinois Bar Association
Chicago Paint & Coating Associates
American Corporate Counsel Association
American Corporate Secretaries Association
American Coatings Association
Corporate Counsels Advisory Group
President, District 26 School Board of Education
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