Counsel, Litigation

Company Description

For nearly 70 years, MasterBrand has been shaping the places where people come together, enriching lives and creating meaningful memories for our customers. That, combined with our stylish products, expansive dealer and retail network, and dedicated associates, has helped make us the number one North American residential cabinet business. Our unique culture of continuous improvement is based on trusting the tools, empowering the team and moving forward, and is kept alive by our more than 14,000 associates across 20 plus manufacturing facility and offices. Visit www.masterbrand.com to learn more and join us in building great experiences together!

Job Description

This position will be responsible for counseling MasterBrand on legal risk and representing it's interests in pre-litigation disputes and litigation, particularly in the areas of consumer affairs, personal injury, and general civil litigation. While a part of the role involves supervising outside counsel (determining case strategy, managing cost, and coordinating with internal stakeholders), the role also requires independently handling various prelitigation/litigation activities, including but not limited to drafting responses to demand letters, managing subpoenas and directing certain privileged investigations. This role reports to the VP, Assistant General Counsel, Commercial.  

This is a hybrid role that requires on-site presence at least twice a week at the Beachwood, OH office.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all consumer, commercial, and personal injury claims, pre-litigation disputes and litigation. 

• Provide strategic legal advice to management and business units on litigation risks and develop strategies to resolve disputes in the Company’s best interest. 

• Effectively manage outside counsel and supervise case strategy, filings, discovery, motions, settlement discussions, budgets and trial preparation. 

• Manage and coordinate responses to subpoenas, garnishments, and other legal demands directed to the Company, including working closely with internal departments to gather necessary documentation and ensure timely and accurate responses. 

• Lead settlement discussions, mediations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. 

• Advise Consumer Affairs team on individual consumer complaints, as well as complaints filed with Attorneys General and Better Business Bureau.  

• Provide regular updates on litigation status, risks, and outcomes to senior management, including the Chief Legal Officer. 

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support the Company’s litigation strategy and decision-making. 

• Manage legal budgets related to litigation, including overseeing costs and ensuring cost-effective management of outside counsel. 

• Develop, update, and advise on existing standard operating procedures relating to litigation, garnishments, subpoenas. 

• Proactively identify and mitigate legal risks by developing and delivering training programs which inform business leaders on relevant laws, regulations, lessons learned and best practices. 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required.

• Active member in good standing with a state bar (specific state bar requirements based on location).  

• 5  years of relevant legal experience, with a focus on litigation in a law firm or corporate legal department. 

• Well-developed negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to liaise with all levels of stakeholders across the entire organization.  

• Proven ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.  

• Strong understanding of legal operations principles, processes, and terminology.  

• Acts ethically and has a strong work ethic, good judgment.  

• Strong proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and experience with Outlook.   

Additional Information

Equal Employment Opportunity

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is an equal opportunity employer. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. MasterBrand Cabinets LLC also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasterBrand Cabinets LLC’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Reasonable Accommodations

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment, please contact us at [email protected].