In-House Counsel

CMIT Solutions is a leading Managed Services Provider (MSP) franchisor delivering information technology and cybersecurity solutions to businesses. The company's locally owned franchise model enables CMIT to serve customers through high-trust, direct relationships. This position is with the corporate franchisor, a private-equity backed organization supporting independently-owned franchises located throughout the United States and Canada.

Position Summary:

As In-House Counsel, you will play a vital role in ensuring legal compliance, reviewing business contracts, and providing strategic guidance to support our business objectives. Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, you will be responsible for managing all legal matters pertaining to the company, including contract reviewing, risk management, federal and state franchise regulatory compliance, franchisee compliance with CMIT Solutions operational standards and requirements, and dispute resolution.

What You'll Do:

• Facilitate the preparation, review and execution of franchise agreements and compliance documents, addressing questions with internal and external stakeholders
• Track franchisee compliance including sales reports, proof of insurance, and adherence to the operations manual and franchise agreement
• Communicate reminders to the system of upcoming compliance deadlines and key information
• Notify non-compliant franchisees and resolve
• Draft, review, revise, and finalize agreements between Franchisor and third parties
• Assist with development of annual Franchise Disclosure Document and Franchise System Operations Manual
• Oversee franchise system trademark filing and maintenance with assistance of outside counsel
• Draft template contract documents for use by franchise system
• Create, review, and edit franchise agreement amendments as necessary
• Manage franchisee grievances and violations, initiating terminations of franchisees where necessary
• Anticipate and resolve litigation risks working with outside counsel
• Drafts policies for franchisor and franchise system as necessary
• Maintain franchisor and vendor contracts database
• Report on franchise compliance, litigation claims, and other legal matters
• Identify opportunities for improved processes, methods, and tools to optimize productivity and compliance
• Document repeatable, scalable processes
• Develop and maintain a library of MSP contract templates for our franchise system
• Complete annual and quarterly duties to maintain compliance with federal and state franchise regulations, including updates to the Franchise Disclosure Document; work with outside counsel to coordinate state registration filings, provide responses to the requests for additional information from state examiners, and communicate status of state registrations to VP of Operations
• Stay apprised of applicable laws and regulations
• Protect the franchisor and corporates confidential information, trade agreements, and intellectual property rights
• Oversee employee separations and assist implementing HR policies, handbook updates, and other best practices
• Give accurate and timely counsel to executives on legal/HR topics
• Partner with cross-departmental teams in developing franchise compliance protocols, policies, and processes for franchises
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and passed the Texas Bar Exam
• Strong understanding of contract law, corporate governance, intellectual property law, and employment law
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• 0-3 years of experience practicing law
• Experience managing legal matters within a franchise system

Benefits:

• Bonus opportunity
• Relocation (if applicable)
• Unlimited PTO Policy
• Medical/Dental/Vision/FSA/HSA
• 401k Employer Matching
• Short Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible hybrid schedule: 3 days at Home Office/2 days remote (after an initial ramping period)
• Thursday Lunches