Job Description
JOB PURPOSE:
The Senior Legal Counsel, Franchise supports the company’s lead legal support on franchise matters worldwide. This position is full-time. This full-time position reports to the Assistant General Counsel, Franchise and is based in Uxbridge, UK. Subject to business needs week-to-week, the position is staffed in the office Monday through Thursday and works remotely on Fridays.
BUSINESS IMPACT:
Support the company’s financial success by providing pragmatic, business focused and risk-based legal counsel and guidance on a wide-array of commercial matters involving the company’s global franchise systems.
JOB CONTRIBUTIONS- WHAT WILL YOU DO
Key responsibilities include:
* Serve as a trusted partner to the Global Franchise Operations team by providing risk-based legal counsel and guidance on franchise matters.
* Structure, draft, review, and negotiate franchise agreements, license agreements, confidentiality and noncompete agreements, and other related documentation.
* Assist with the preparation of franchise disclosure documents globally in collaboration with multiple internal and external resources.
* Advise on issues arising under laws applicable to franchising.
* Support global strategic initiatives relating to franchise initiatives.
* Mitigate legal and financial contractual risks, ensuring fair, favorable, and consistent terms across agreements.
* Counsel the business on contract interpretation.
* Partner with the Global Franchise Operations team and other centers of excellence to design and implement a risk-based franchise compliance program.
* Support business colleagues in resolving pre-litigation contract disputes.
* Support the development and improvement of contracting processes.
* Deliver business-oriented legal counsel in a timely, positive, collaborative and constructive manner.
* Assist with other matters as needed.
* Be a vocal advocate and champion for Hertz’s culture of adhering to strong ethical standards.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
* J.D., LLB or equivalent international degree with strong academic credentials.
* Required to be admitted as a solicitor and in good standing in England and Wales or admitted to the bar and in good standing in another jurisdiction and eligible for limited licensure of in-house counsel in England and Wales.
* 4-6 years of commercial transactions experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
* Direct experience with franchising or licensing models required.
* Willingness and ability to accommodate global needs including: travel internationally on a limited basis to meet with in-country colleagues and franchisees; and occasional meetings to support various time zones.
* Proficiency in other languages will be beneficial, but is not mandatory. The ideal candidate will exhibit the following characteristics:
* Excellent oral and written communication skills - must able to effectively explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
* A self-starter - must possess discipline to independently follow up on matters and to work in a fast-paced environment with a high level of autonomy.
* Strong interpersonal skills - must be able to cooperatively work with Hertz’s management, colleagues in the Legal Department, and outside counsel. Strong interpersonal skills.
* Must be well organized, detail oriented, and able to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment.
* Demonstrate excellent and pragmatic business judgment and an ongoing curiosity about how their work fits into the bigger picture.
* Exceptional customer service skills.
* Ability to read, write, and fluently speak and understand the English language.