Director of Legal Services and Risk Management (Paralegal)

Overview

The Director of Legal Services and Risk Management will lead the effort to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and operational risks within an organization. This role involves developing and implementing risk management strategies, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and collaborating with various departments to minimize potential liabilities. They are responsible for overseeing risk assessments, developing and maintaining risk management policies and procedures, and providing legal guidance to the organization. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Support and Litigation Coordination

• Serve as the primary in-house paralegal supporting the General Counsel across a broad range of legal matters.
• Manage litigation support activities, including document production, coordination with outside counsel, deposition scheduling, and preparation of company witnesses.
• Draft and issue legal correspondence such as demand letters, notices of default, and other enforcement communications.
• Represent the company during mediations and select legal proceedings, as appropriate and authorized.

Contract and Document Management

• Draft, review, and revise a variety of legal agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, purchase terms, and lease documents.
• Ensure consistency with corporate standards and risk tolerance across contract terms and legal templates.
• Track contract execution status, renewal timelines, and compliance obligations.

Risk and Insurance Administration

• Support the administration of the company’s risk and claims portfolio, including incident intake, investigation, and documentation.
• Coordinate with insurance brokers and internal stakeholders to complete annual renewals for commercial lines of insurance, including property, casualty, and general liability coverage.
• Assist in managing and responding to Freight Claims, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the handling of Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and Workers’ Compensation claims, including gathering documentation, working with third-party administrators, and liaising with outside counsel.
• Prepare reports, track claims activity, and ensure proper documentation is maintained for internal use and external reporting.

Compliance and Governance

• Maintain accurate legal files, entity records, and corporate governance documentation.
• Support regulatory and internal compliance initiatives, including document retention, training coordination, and policy updates.
• Conduct legal research and provide internal guidance to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry-specific regulations.

Cross-Functional Legal Support

• Provide legal and contractual support to various internal teams—such as Accounting, Collections, HR, Real Estate, and Procurement—ensuring company interests are protected and legal obligations are enforced.
• Assist with enforcement of receivables and lease terms by preparing supporting documentation, coordinating with external counsel, and ensuring legal requirements are met.
• Serve as a legal liaison to internal stakeholders, helping interpret policies, support claims and disputes, and provide guidance on routine matters with legal implications.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree, business administration, or a related field is required. 
• 10 years of experience as a paralegal.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as a Certified Risk Manager (CRM).
• 10 Experience in legal and risk management roles, with a strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards is essential. 
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are required. 
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and tools is highly desirable.