Corporate Counsel

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states, serving the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, Fitting, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation industries. As a 100% employee-owned company, Kendall offers a rewarding career where you will own part of the company and your future. More than 60% of associates have over 5 years of tenure, and over 40% have more than 10 years, reflecting a supportive environment where your ideas are heard and valued.

About the role

The Corporate Counsel, reporting to the Executive Vice President & General Counsel, partners with the legal team and business leaders to support the company’s objectives and ensure smooth, efficient legal, compliance, and risk management operations. This role requires a solution-focused, pragmatic approach to provide timely, business-oriented legal support across commercial transactions, operational matters, corporate policies, and other legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams to support the company’s business objectives.
• Provide thoughtful legal guidance and practical business advice on a broad range of legal and compliance matters.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and interpret commercial agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, and service agreements.
• Support compliance efforts by assisting with policy development, implementation, monitoring, and training initiatives.
• Identify legal risks and recommend practical solutions aligned with company objectives.
• Assist with legal support for business transactions, operational initiatives, and strategic projects.
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries, recommendations, and guidance on applicable laws and regulations.
• Support dispute resolution, including claims management, negotiations, mediation, litigation support, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Assist with corporate governance matters, document management, and maintenance of legal records.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the company and communicate updates to leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Sales, Safety, Information Technology, and Supply Chain.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to legal operations, contract processes, compliance procedures, and risk management.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• 3 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance, and/or real estate.
• Proven track record of resolving complex legal and commercial matters with significant financial and business impact.
• Experience counseling business leaders on commercial matters, contract negotiations, procurement, real estate, and corporate policies.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and weigh business and legal risks and advance innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law with at least one state bar.
• Strong understanding of contract law, corporate legal principles, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to analyze legal issues, assess risk, and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Microsoft Word.
• Strong business acumen and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively at all levels, including associates, customers, vendors, and outside counsel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to see, talk, and hear; ability to sit for 8 hours a day.
• Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of law firm or in-house experience relevant to commercial transactions, corporate law, procurement, compliance, and/or real estate.

Skills

• Business Insight
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
• Balances Stakeholders
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Communicates Effectively
• Collaborates
• Courage
• Drives Results
• Instills Trust
• Ensures Accountability
• Resourcefulness
• Action Oriented