General Counsel

Cox Enterprises, Inc. is a highly successful communications, media and automotive enterprise founded approximately 120 years ago.  This Atlanta based business and its well-established Family Office is 100% privately owned and operated by descendants of the founding family member.  The primary mission of the Family Office is to serve the financial, accounting, tax, investment, legal and fiduciary/administrative interests of this multigenerational family, spanning generations two to five.  The Family Office manages 14 individual households which are geographically dispersed throughout the United States, as well as internationally, and includes their related entities, trusts, businesses and foundations.

Position and Opportunity
We are seeking to hire an experienced attorney to serve as the General Counsel (“GC”) of the Family Office and work directly with the President.  The GC will serve as a trusted advisor to the President and be directly responsible for the management of the legal and governance processes within the Family Office.  The GC is responsible for drafting, review, coordination and management of contracts/agreements and other legal service requests from family members, trustees and family office professionals.  The GC must be an individual who will be clearly aligned with the President and other Family Office personnel to maintain core values and best-in-class services on behalf of the family.

The individual will have the opportunity to work closely with the Family Office President and the senior management team regarding all aspects of legal advisory, compliance and related documentation including:  i) advising leadership on legal ramifications of investments and investment structures, coordinating the oversight and preparation of transactional documentation including limited partner agreements, subscription documents, engagement letters, purchase and sale agreements, etc., ii) legal engagement, advice and support to individual family members including various employee matters and business transactions such as real estate purchase and sale contracts, architectural and construction agreements, zoning and permitting, leases, contractor/subcontractor agreements, immigration, household employment law, powers of attorney, consent agreements, non-disclosure agreements, civil violations and other matters as requested, and iii) governance management and family office compliance support including advising on Private Trust Company fiduciary responsibilities and compliance, committee structures and functions, insurance coverages, policies and procedures, documentation and compliance/regulatory standards management, and preparation of presentations for the President, Trustees, Family members and others.

The position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional with a diversified background to assume the responsibility of leading, managing and supervising the legal function. 

Responsibilities
Oversee and manage the legal function of the Family Office, which includes compliance and governance for 150+ individuals, related entities and trusts.

Actively manage and mentor the legal support team, with the goal of improving efficiencies.  This will include collaboration and engagement with other divisions of the Family Office and affiliated operating businesses to promote team building, unity, and overall success.

Actively manage third-party legal relationships, including setting and monitoring engagements, budgets and billings, evaluating existing relationships, making new legal/professional provider recommendations, and actively managing cost controls and service efficiencies.

Evaluate and analyze current legal and compliance operations to identify risks, cost controls and process enhancements.

Create and implement legal policies, procedures and controls to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the legal functions, with a focus on continuous improvement and risk management.

Work closely with the President in connection with the family’s investment portfolio, including active involvement and support with all aspects of investment/deal structuring and assistance with presentations to family members, committees, Trustees and other key personnel.

Partner with other departments of the Family Office on Trust Company governance risk assessments, policies and procedures, labor and employee legal issues, litigation, family law and disputes resolutions.

Qualifications:
The ideal GC candidate will have a diversified background in providing legal services to sophisticated individuals (taxation, estate and trust, and transactional experience a plus).  The ideal individual is someone who likes to roll up their sleeves and partner with a team oriented professional group.  The candidate must also possess strong management, writing and communication skills.  The ideal individual will have the following:

Minimum of 10+ years of prior relevant professional experience.

A Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and state bar membership in good standing.  LLM in Taxation is a plus.

Experience with high net worth individuals, multi-generational planning, real estate and private equity investing is preferred.

An individual who will thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable being part of a business undergoing significant changes.

An individual who is approachable, trustworthy and dependable, with exceptional interpersonal and team development/team oriented skills.

The position will be based in Atlanta, Georgia with minimal travel required.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. The company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms).

The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit www.CoxCSRReport.com.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.