Legal Counsel

Key Responsibilities

• Advise management on labor and employment law matters, including union-related issues, employee relations, dispute resolution, and compliance with U.S. and Illinois labor regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and corporate documents to support plant operations.
• Provide legal guidance on corporate governance and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Support and oversee environmental compliance matters, ensuring adherence to applicable environmental laws and regulations relevant to manufacturing.
• Partner with HR to address workplace disputes, employee grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Manage legal aspects of compliance programs, audits, and investigations.
• Collaborate with external counsel for specialized or complex matters.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations, advising leadership on potential impacts.
• Contribute to building the legal function for the plant, laying the groundwork for future expansion of the legal team.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized law school.
• Active license to practice law in Illinois (or ability to obtain in a timely manner).
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably including in-house counsel experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Proven expertise in labor and employment law (including union negotiations and dispute resolution).
• Solid understanding of corporate law and contract management.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations in the U.S. manufacturing context.
• Familiarity with Illinois state laws and regulatory environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• High level of integrity, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience working in a multinational corporation, especially with Chinese or Asian-based parent companies.
• Prior experience setting up a legal function in a new facility or business unit.