Associate General Counsel

About the Role

Total Wine & More is seeking a Associate General Counsel (AGC) to join our Legal Department team in Bethesda, Maryland. You will serve as a legal advisor to the Company and its affiliated businesses operating under the Total Wine & More name in 30 different states and District of Columbia. You will interact with and provide legal advice and guidance to the more than 10,000 team members who work in Total Wine's retail stores and functional departments within our corporate offices in Bethesda, MD, in a multitude of different subject areas, including corporate governance, store expansion and licensure, compliance, intellectual property, advertising, and employment law. You will work closely with the Company's General Counsel and legal staff, state and local government agencies, and a team of outside counsel to oversee the Company's litigation and compliance matters in 30 states (and counting) as well as District of Columbia. You will report to the Company's General Counsel.

You will

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing Total Wine & More’s operations across 30 states and District of Columbia, proactively identifying risk areas and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Partner with the General Counsel, Government Affairs team, and state agencies/legislatures to shape regulatory strategy and support legislative engagement.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes in the alcoholic beverage industry, advising leadership on implications and strategic responses.
• Manage outside counsel relationships, overseeing litigation, regulatory matters, and contract negotiations to ensure alignment with business goals and cost efficiency.
• Advise the executive team, Board of Directors, and senior leaders on legal risks, policy changes, and governance matters that impact business operations and strategic initiatives.
• Counsel business unit leaders—including HR, Store Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Store Development—on legal requirements, best practices, and strategies to advance company objectives.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations to guide internal decision-making and ensure consistent application across departments and support the development of internal policies and compliance programs that reinforce ethical standards and regulatory adherence.
• Review and negotiate complex contracts, including vendor agreements and real estate transactions, ensuring legal soundness and alignment with business priorities.

You will come with

• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent years of experience
• Juris Doctor (JD) required
• 10+ years experience working as a lawyer in a private commercial law firm or hybrid of that law firm experience and in-house counsel in a corporate legal department preferred
• Prior legal experience in employment/labor law litigation, commercial agreements and litigation, real estate lease negotiations. and/or licensing
• Superior written and oral communication skills, and strong legal reasoning skills are required
• Strong business communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and with others
• Ability to thrive in a changing, fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Strong legal research, writing and editing skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Bar Admission Active and in good standing with bar admission in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia

We offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Generous store discounts
• Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
• 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Disability & life insurance coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Pet insurance
• Critical illness and accident insurance
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• College tuition assistance
• Career development & product training
• Consumer classes
• & More!

Grow with us

Total Wine & More is the country's largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer and spirits, and we continue to grow our footprint year over year. Total Wine offers exciting and unique career opportunities across the country and in our corporate office. Our strength is our people. We have a commitment to training and career growth, all in an environment that values new ideas and teamwork. If you share our entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for providing best-in-class customer experience, take a moment to apply or learn more at https://careers.totalwine.com/!

Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience.

Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.

Pay Range: $180,000 - $235,000 Annually