Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Job Description:

About SEKO

SEKO started out in business in 1976, operating out of a single Chicago office. Since then, we have built a solid reputation throughout the world as an innovative and flexible provider of first-class logistics services. We provide complete Supply Chain Solutions, specializing in transportation, logistics, forwarding and warehousing. We also lead the industry with innovative and customizable IT solutions, which provide a seamless flow of information and give our growing customer base true supply chain visibility. With over 120 offices in 40 countries worldwide, our unique shareholder management model enables you to benefit from Global implementation experience and expertise across all industry sectors, coupled with vital in-country knowledge and service at the local level.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Review, redline, and negotiate all types of contracts which can consist of Master Service Agreements, Professional Service Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Software licensing agreements, complex ecommerce contracts, Independent Contractor Agreements, Agency and Trademark Agreements, NDAs, Release Agreements, Bailee Waivers, Settlement and Release Agreements etc. including drafting of templates and contracts for use. 
• Review current contracts in place in order to revisit and amend as needed putting SEKO in most favorable position as possible.
• Responsible for internal Contract audit(s), to ensure contract provisions within the legal playbook are up to date and within the industry.  Monitor contracts, verifying they comply with policy and procedures, ensure that the supplier meets expectations, work with business units and vendors to resolve service issues, and track invoice approval and payment.
• Work with and support with various requests pertaining to Global Privacy Policies and other privacy rules and regulations including but not limited to updating current Policies, Statements of Procedures.  Support with vendor vetting procedures, cross departmental functions and revise in accordance with the then most current industry standards.
• Support Global Initiatives such as Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability etc; report back to the executive team and operational level with tasks associated in order to drive safety first global initiative.
• Work with and support the Legal team with various Corporate Governance responsibilities including maintaining current filings, drafting resolutions, written consents, document review, document compilation, Non-Disclosure review, document preparation etc as well as maintaining the document management system and database as an ongoing matter; company formations and filings with the state and country etc.
• Judge the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the Company, work with appropriate parties to define a strategy, and provide support in litigation (including drafting litigation holds as well as maintains records affiliated with current holds).
• Provide continuing counsel on Company compliance and legal matters and liaise with internal staff to define and develop Company policies, procedures and programs as well as ensure the Company conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with risk management on insurance renewals (cargo) to help cost savings as required while maintaining sufficient standards within industry expectations.
• Maintain and assist with renewing or negotiating company property leases as well as equipment leases.
• Assist with and support to Human Resources including drafting Employment Agreements, negotiating Staffing Agreements, Releases. 
• Liaise with outside legal counsel on an as needed basis (including but not limited to litigation, bankruptcy, trademark filings, court claims etc) to drive cost saving efficiencies as well as to mitigate risk as best as possible. 
• Defend SEKO’s shipping terms including lien rights, indemnities, limits of liabilities etc.
• Track various contracting activities and opportunities, including compiling data for different purposes, as directed, such as internal/external presentations, issue resolutions and escalation, and other inquiries.
• Review and revise SEKO templates to help standardize while as well as bring current
• Assist with various Compliance department initiatives and support various global locations to ensure the organization remains compliant with applicable regulations.
• Support the General Counsel, V.P. and other Executive management group on a daily or as needed basis with business and operational requests that lend to legal support along with other matters/projects as assigned.
• Expected to comply with SEKO’s C-TPAT Security Profile.
• Expected to uphold SEKO’s Core Values:  Respect, Customer Focus, Integrity, Teamwork, Fun.
• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace. Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures. Co-operate with management in its fulfilment of its legislative obligations.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Resilient, positive attitude. We need someone willing to adapt to change and able to function smoothly in a very fast paced environment.
• High sense of urgency with proactive rather than reactive attitude.
• High attention to detail and high degree of integrity in work product a must.
• Ability to effectively communicate with senior management, in writing and verbally.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. 
• Ability to make effective presentations on legal issues to the board of directors, senior management, and sales groups.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• A growth mindset with flexibility and desire to work on a variety of legal matters, learn and have a meaningful impact.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Action and results-oriented, with ability to adapt quickly to new surroundings and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workloads to meet deadlines in a challenging and fast-paced environment.
• Proven success at influencing and leading resources across multiple functions, workgroups, and management levels.
• Reliable and collaborative team-player.
• Flexibility to assist the legal department in its activities and its mission as needs arise.
• Ability to work flexible hours with team members across the globe.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum:

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school (or foreign equivalent).
• Licensed US attorney with membership in at least 1 state bar (preferably IL), with good standing.
• 5+ years of law firm and/or in-house with experience focused contract law.
• Ideal candidate will have experience in all or some of the following areas:

Corporate governance, vendor and supplier agreements, logistics agreements, warehousing agreements, technology licensing agreements, familiarity with US, and foreign trademark registrations, compliance and defense; employment law, privacy law, GDPR/Data Privacy on a global scale, US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, OFAC regulations and similar international statutes.Strong knowledge in Air and Ocean Charter reviews that require immediate turnaround times.

Preferred:

• Experience with logistics companies preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that base salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (Producer roles only).

Compensation

SEKO Logistics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Benefits Designed with You in Mind:
At SEKO Logistics, we are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and financial stability (eligibility requirements apply). Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account (IL only), Flexible Spendings Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Accident, Critical Illness and hospital indemnity program, Life Insurance, AD&D, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)

• Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave)

• Retirement Benefits: Contributory Savings Plan (401k).

SEKO Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.