Associate Counsel Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction and with a high level of autonomy, the Director, Associate General Counsel will play a critical role in protecting and defending PODS by strategically evaluating, managing, and mitigating legal risk across a diverse portfolio of litigation matters, while ensuring consistency in the company's legal and business positions. This role guides and supports fact-finding, offers strategic legal guidance, and works closely with numerous business units to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations. The attorney manages outside counsel, controls legal expenses, and may oversee legal support staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Litigation Management & Strategy:
• Manage a diverse array of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, transportation claims, workers compensation claims, employment litigation, and regulatory actions.
• Drive end-to-end litigation strategy, including analyzing case merits and exposure, evaluating dispositive motions, guiding and assessing early settlement decisions, and helping develop trial strategies and themes for high-stakes matters.
• Direct and oversee outside counsel, ensuring alignment with PODS' nationwide legal strategy and cost-management expectations.
• Oversee discovery, including litigation holds, document production, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
Risk Evaluation & Legal Guidance:
• Support and guide internal investigations and fact-finding processes related to potential or pending legal matters.
• Manage responses to OSHA inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions, including preparation and negotiation of responses, in coordination with the Chief Legal Officer.
• Advise HR and business leaders on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including but not limited to FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and NLRA.
• Provide clear, business-oriented legal guidance to operational leaders, HR, Compliance, Risk Management, and other key partners.
• Support corporate governance and related compliance.
Training and Development:
• Develop and deliver training on employment law and workplace safety for HR, management, and employees.
• Keep stakeholders informed of changes in legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate in the continuing development of the Company's commercial contracts to develop a scalable, business-centric approach.
MANAGEMENT & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES
• Typically reports to Chief Legal Officer:
• Job IS directly responsible for managing other employees (e.g., hiring/termination and/or pay decisions, performance management)
JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience Requirements
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 10+ years of experience at a law firm and/or in-house managing litigation matters in federal and state courts.
• Demonstrated experience managing outside counsel and controlling litigation budgets.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to establish and nurture relationships by engendering trust, respect and confidence in order to advise senior leaderhip.
• Ability to function autonomously yet understands necessity of advising management of work progress and any unusual situations under time pressures in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills:
• Experience in industries with high safety standards, such as manufacturing, construction, or energy.
• Background in handling union and labor relations matters.
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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