Managing Counsel – Transactions

About the Role

The Mobility Advisory Solutions group (MAS) within Toyota Legal One (TL1) is seeking an experienced transactional attorney to join as a Managing Counsel. This role is based in Plano, Texas, and involves leading complex strategic transactions, providing legal counsel, and managing a high volume of commercial agreements. The successful candidate will work closely with various divisions and stakeholders to structure transactions, manage legal risk, and ensure compliance across diverse projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex strategic transactions, including joint ventures, manufacturing, supply, sales, advanced technology matters, and cross-border commercial transactions.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and manage a high volume of complex commercial agreements, such as master services, vehicle development, manufacturing and supply, software and hardware, electrification, advanced technology, strategic investment, and commercial collaboration agreements.
• Advise on legal issues, risks, business strategies, and complex agreement structures in an agile business environment, partnering with Toyota Motor North America business leads, affiliates, and Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.
• Advise on and manage trade compliance matters, including import and export controls, customs requirements, economic sanctions, and trade programs (e.g., USMCA).
• Stay current on emerging legal issues in mobility, electrification, autonomous driving, AI, ridesharing, infrastructure, energy management, data connectivity, privacy, and cross-border data transactions.
• Support continuous improvement of standard legal processes and agreements as the company grows.
• Manage outside counsel assignments and legal spend.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active membership in good standing in the bar of at least one U.S. state/jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 10 years of solid legal practice experience, preferably in a major law firm and/or a multinational corporation.
• Demonstrated experience working as part of a cross-functional or culturally diverse team, including across multiple time zones, languages, and cultures.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel 15-20% domestically and internationally for on-site collaboration with business teams.

Skills

• Team player with strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial, passionate, and proactive approach to legal problem-solving.
• Ability to provide practical and creative legal advice in a rapidly evolving industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the automotive, manufacturing, technology, or mobility industry.
• Experience in complex joint ventures, real estate, technology, manufacturing, supply chain, regulatory, or compliance matters.
• Experience with international trade implications, including export controls, sanctions, and import/export considerations.
• Experience working in a dynamic international environment.
• Japanese or other bilingual language capabilities.
• Previous in-house experience, including management of outside counsel, internal budgets, and project coordination.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits package.
• Professional growth and development programs, including tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount and Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan with company match and annual retirement contribution (if applicable).
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services for prenatal care, adoption, childcare, and schools.
• Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA).
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

Toyota is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, respect, and inclusion. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Applicants are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristics.