Assistant General Counsel Jobs

Global tier one automotive supplier headquartered in metro Detroit is looking for an Assistant General Counsel.

We are a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of industry leading components and systems for the automotive market. Our company has a global network of 40,000 employees in 20 countries. We provide a comprehensive benefits package and excellent growth opportunities.

Summary

The Assistant General Counsel (“ACG”), reporting directly to the General Counsel, oversees and manages the company’s complex litigation globally working closely with the Global Legal team and outside counsel. The ACG provides advise on product safety and product liability as well as other legal matters. The ACG acts as liaison with the business and functional teams, outside legal counsel, and regulators.

Job Duties

• Provide legal advice on product safety, product liability and commercial matters and disputes (litigation, arbitration) to the executive and senior management, global functions and businesses

• Responsible for leading and/or supporting strategic and tactical legal initiatives

• Organize and manage the defense of the company against lawsuits or claims in the U.S. and, upon request by the GC, other jurisdictions

• Advise on and manage the assertation of claims and litigation initiated by the company against third parties

• Assist in the development of the company’s litigation strategy, handle or assist in litigation and other disputes or inquiries by authorities, including draft written submissions and petitions and, if requested and where permissible, represent the company in front of courts and other authorities

• Advise on legislation, government regulations or court decisions that may materially affect the company

• Develop, draft, review and/or negotiate agreements and other legal documents

• Manage external counsel efficiently and on a cost-effective basis; drive the fee estimate process; and act as central point of contact for approval of invoices in the area of responsibility

• Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs ensuring the company is conducting business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Maintain appropriate case files and records for handled matters

• Manage subordinate team members

• Serve on and support the activities of global and/or regional committees as requested by the GC

• Lead a global practice group

• Support the legal & compliance risk assessment

• Support and implement global legal functional excellence initiatives.

• Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Excellent leadership and communication skills (oral and written)

• Ability to organize and prioritize workload; handle multiple tasks and projects across multiple jurisdictions at the same time; ability to set priorities

• Interest and ability to teach and to motivate business people in legal issues

• Self-motivated, dedicated team player with the ability to work successfully in different cultures and countries

• Willingness to travel globally

• Strong intellectual capacity and high personal standards of excellence

• Integrity and confidentiality; good judgment and decision-making skills

• Ability to manage outside counsel cost-effectively and efficiently

• Enthusiastic with strong interpersonal skills

• Positive and non-emotional approach to problems

• Motivated and interested in the automotive industry

• Take initiative and think ahead of the problem; innovative (make a difference)

• Willing to learn new things

• Fluent in English (both oral and written)

• Strong computer skills (word, outlook, power point, etc.)

Education and Experience

• Successfully completed legal studies at an accredited U.S. law school and admission to a bar in good standing

• At least 7 years of PQE, acquired in private practice in a law firm and/or in-house, ideally handling complex litigation in the U.S

• Preferably, several years (5+) of experience in handling product safety and product liability litigation

We are an Affirmative Action/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.