Senior Counsel, Commercial - Chicago, IL

About the role

The Senior Counsel, Commercial, position reports to the Associate General Counsel, and supports members of the Ag Services & Oilseeds Business Unit team by providing legal counsel on a range of topics related to commercial and contract matters, corporate matters, distribution arrangements, joint ventures, pre-litigation matters, and day-to-to antitrust issues and also provides business-unit specific guidance for matters being primarily handled by subject-matter attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to all levels of Ag Services & Oilseeds commercial team, including senior executives and their direct reports maximizing the use of internal legal resources and minimizing outside legal spend.
• Draft, interpret, and negotiate commercial agreements for various Ag Services & Oilseeds businesses including, but not limited to agriculture, transportation (truck, rail, and vessel), refined oils, and biodiesel.
• Provide guidance on commercial, antitrust, and pre-litigation matters relating to the day-to-day aspects of the Ag Services business including everything from strategy for discussions with customers and producers, liens, reviewing marketing materials, and general compliance with applicable laws.
• Develop and deliver legal training to commercial teams regarding compliance with laws and company policy.
• Manage outside counsel as required on specific subject matters.
• Review, revise and/or approve all proposed changes for confidentiality agreements drafted by legal assistant and assist as necessary with customer discussions regarding such changes in order to execute NDAs.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding ADM policies and procedures.
• Work with specialist ADM attorneys as required on Ag Services & Oilseeds matters and policies.
• Work with ADM litigation attorneys, prepare for and provide legal representation to ADM in civil litigation and other contested matters involving business unit.

Qualifications

• Must have a J.D. degree and admitted to practice law in a state bar in the United States.
• 5-7+ years post-qualification experience, ideally working in both a large law firm and corporate in-house setting in a BU/commercial role.

Skills

• Excellent contract drafting, review and negotiation skills.
• Commercial and practical approach to legal advice is critical.
• Oral and written communication skills and an ability to adapt communications style depending on with whom they are dealing.
• Responsive to business needs and act with timeliness and sense of urgency.
• Able to provide business-oriented solutions to complex legal problems.
• Highly motivated, proactive, self-disciplined and team-oriented.
• Committed to ADM values: integrity, respect, excellence, resourcefulness, teamwork, and responsibility.

Other required or desirable attributes

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with the BU team and the legal team and positively influence outcomes.
• In-depth understanding of ADM’s business, or the willingness and ability gain that knowledge quickly.
• Experience in transportation, food, agriculture, and/or manufacturing sectors is preferred.
• Ability to provide business-oriented solutions to complex legal problems.
• Highly motivated, proactive, self-disciplined and team-oriented.
• Committed to ADM values: integrity, respect, excellence, resourcefulness, teamwork, and responsibility.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and direction from the Chief Counsel Ag Services & Oilseeds in furtherance of department and business goals.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while handling multiple competing tasks simultaneously to satisfactory closure.
• Ability to work closely with business team to develop solutions to legal issues that are both in keeping with ADM policies and values, and relevant laws and regulations, and serve to advance business needs.
• Disposition to maintain an “open door” policy, to encourage all levels of the ADM business team to raise potential issues.
• Ability to delegate and manage resources effectively.
• Effective planning and organizing skills to prioritize key areas of responsibility, tasks and projects in a high pressure environment.