General Counsel

Rent-A-Center (RAC) is a rent-to-own industry leader that is focused on improving the quality of life for its customers. The Company owns and operates approximately 2,300 stores in the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and approximately 1,200 Acceptance Now kiosk locations. Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a national franchiser of approximately 280 stores.

We are seeking a General Counsel that will be responsible for leading corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives. This position will provide counsel and legal advice on company strategies and their implementation, manage the legal function, and obtain and oversee the work of outside counsel. The General Counsel is directly involved in complex business transactions in negotiating critical contracts, legal affairs, and public relations of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provides continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.

Serves as key lawyer/legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.

Judges the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the company, works with the appropriate executive(s) to define a strategic defense and approves settlements of disputes where warranted.

Assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the company conducts its business in compliance with applicable SEC et al. laws and regulations.

Structures and manages the company's internal legal function and staff.

Responsible for leading and managing Risk Management.

Provides consultation throughout all stages of the franchising process and responsible for the execution of franchise contracts.

Oversees the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all outside counsel.

Advises on legal aspects of the company's financing, including assessing and advising on current and future business structures and legal entities.

Develop budget recommendations to support systematically planned programs of legal actions or defenses, and establish controls to assure optimum deployment of resources within approved budgets.

Maintains responsibility for the corporate secretary functions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Jurist Doctorate degree.

Admitted to state bar and actively licensed to practice law.

In-house corporate attorney experience.

Experience serving as a General Counsel with a similar scope of responsibilities.

Experience working on matters of corporate governance and with a board of directors.

Experience managing other attorneys and support staff; experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources.

Excellent oral and written skills in the communication of business and legal issues.

Strong negotiation skills.

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals within time allotted.

Aptitude for creative legal strategy to enhance the company's position and contain legal costs.

Must be highly organized and detail oriented.

Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills.

Ability to think strategically.

Fiscally responsible.