General Counsel

ZFS Solutions, LLC is seeking a bright, creative individual to work as part of our team in the role of General Counsel. The General Counsel is responsible for leading and managing the legal function for a group of privately held businesses headquartered out of Zeeland Michigan. The General Counsel provides stakeholders across the organization with legal advice on company initiatives, strategies, and related implementation.  These stakeholders range from the board level to team members throughout the organization.  The General Counsel is directly involved in complex business transactions and negotiating critical contracts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Participates in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provides continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on the legal implications of all matters.
Drafts or reviews a wide variety of legal agreements that define business being transacted.  Examples include agreements related to confidentiality, purchase and sales contracts, business relationships, joint ventures, and corporate structure and governance.
Give accurate and timely counsel to senior management on a variety of legal topics such as labor law, tax law, regulations, business ventures, corporate governance etc.
Serves as key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.  Identify risks and proposes alternative legal structures to mitigate risks involved in potential transactions.  Draft and review transactional documents dealing with acquisitions, financing and dispositions.
Judges the merits of court cases filed against or on behalf of the company, works with the appropriate managers to define legal strategy and approves settlements and outcomes where warranted.
Provide asset and corporate level due diligence.
Assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the companies of the organization conduct its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Specify internal governance policies and regularly monitor compliance.
Structures and manages the company’s internal legal function.  Provide counsel and work as a team with management members as necessary within other business units.
Oversees the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all outside legal counsel and work initially with outside general counsel to become versed in legal services provided to organizations and to establish the initial in house Office of the General Counsel.
Performs other duties and special projects as requested, directed, or assigned.
 

Requirements:

Juris Doctorate Degree from ABA approved Law School and admitted to the Bar; five to seven years minimum related experience in law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working on matters of corporate governance and with a board of directors.
Experience managing other attorneys and supervising support staff in a corporation; experience with cost-effective management of outside legal resources.
Familiarity and understanding of legislation related to all company business endeavors.
Experience in directing strategy and managing complex litigation cases.
History of maintaining licensing without reprimand or suspension in the State Bar of Michigan or another state, and membership in business oriented sections of such Bar and the American Bar Association.
General knowledge of the agriculture industry, processing facilities, and sales and purchases involving US and possible foreign transactions.  
 

This is a full-time position with compensation commensurate with experience and background.  Dues are paid for maintaining membership in the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association, with business oriented section memberships.  Continuing education tuition and fees paid as required.  Generous benefits package including health, dental, disability, and life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing.