About the position
West Monroe is seeking a General Counsel to join our team in Seattle. This pivotal role involves advising the executive team and other stakeholders on legal matters that impact the company's operations, business strategy, and compliance efforts. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in corporate transactions, contract negotiation, and risk management, particularly within a professional services environment. The General Counsel will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive legal strategies that align with the company's business objectives while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to employment, data protection, and privacy. Additionally, the role requires monitoring changes in laws and regulations affecting the tech consulting industry and advising on their potential impact and necessary adjustments. The General Counsel will also source and oversee relationships with outside counsel as needed. In terms of litigation management and risk management, the General Counsel will manage all legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory proceedings involving the company, including oversight of outside counsel. This includes identifying and assessing legal risks associated with business activities and proposing effective risk mitigation strategies. The role also encompasses corporate governance responsibilities, serving as Board Secretary, providing guidance on corporate governance matters, and ensuring compliance with corporate formalities and disclosures. The General Counsel will lead or support legal due diligence efforts for potential mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships, providing legal guidance throughout the M&A process. This includes structuring transactions, negotiating terms, and drafting necessary documents while collaborating with external advisors to ensure legal compliance and optimize deal outcomes. Furthermore, the General Counsel will mentor a team of legal professionals, including attorneys and contract managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in client service. The role also involves overseeing legal requirements associated with international expansion and advising on employee ownership programs, ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws and educating employees on the benefits of participation in these programs. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of providing strategic legal counsel to senior executives, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of corporate governance principles relevant to the consulting industry. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities with professionalism and integrity.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategies to support the company's business objectives while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the tech consulting industry and advise on potential impact and necessary adjustments.
- Source and oversee outside counsel relationships.
- Manage and oversee all legal disputes, litigation, and regulatory proceedings involving the company, including oversight of outside counsel.
- Identify and assess legal and other risks associated with business activities and propose risk mitigation strategies.
- Serve as Board Secretary and provide guidance on corporate governance matters, including best practices for board governance and company policies.
- Assist in the preparation of board meeting materials and facilitate corporate governance processes.
- Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with corporate formalities and disclosures.
- Lead or support legal due diligence efforts for potential mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.
- Provide legal guidance throughout the M&A process, including structuring transactions, negotiating terms, and drafting transactional documents.
- Collaborate with external advisors, such as investment bankers and accountants, to ensure legal compliance and optimize deal outcomes.
- Mentor a team of legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and contract managers in the U.S. and Costa Rica.
- Allocate resources effectively and manage the function budget.
- Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in client service and efficiencies.
- Collaborate with the team responsible for the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of contracts, including client agreements, vendor contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Oversee legal requirements associated with international expansion, currently in the U.K., Costa Rica, and Mexico.
- Advise on the design, implementation, and administration of employee ownership programs, such as stock option plans and restricted stock awards.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the bar association.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on corporate and commercial law.
- Experience in mergers and acquisitions, including conducting due diligence, negotiating transactional documents, and managing post-closing integration efforts.
- Familiarity with employee ownership structures and programs, such as share purchase programs and equity-based compensation arrangements.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience drafting and reviewing complex commercial contracts.
- Deep understanding of corporate governance principles and laws relevant to the consulting industry.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to be in-person three days a week.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in risk management and compliance within a professional services environment.
- Familiarity with data protection and privacy laws.
Benefits
- Stock options
- Paid parental leave
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Unlimited flexible time off
- Ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year
- Ten weeks of paid parental leave after successful completion of one year of employment.
