What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at Popeyes?
General Counsel – QSR Industry (600 Locations)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Counsel to lead and manage the legal affairs of our organization, a rapidly growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain with over 600 locations. The ideal candidate will oversee a high volume of litigation and compliance matters, focusing on workers' compensation (WC), general liability (GL), employment-related cases, and other legal issues inherent to the QSR industry. This role requires a strategic legal advisor who can navigate complex regulations while protecting the company's interests and ensuring operational compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Litigation and Case Management
- Lead and oversee all legal proceedings, including reviewing claims, developing defense strategies, and managing a diverse caseload involving workers' compensation, general liability, employment practices, and food safety litigation.
- Collaborate with outside counsel when necessary, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality representation.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, wage and hour regulations, food safety standards, and health ordinances.
- Provide proactive legal guidance to mitigate risks and address industry-specific challenges.
Risk Management and Advisory
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team, offering insights on potential legal risks and opportunities.
- Conduct legal audits and implement preventive measures to safeguard the company against litigation and regulatory violations.
Employment and Labor Law
- Advise on employment matters, including discrimination claims, harassment allegations, wage disputes, and wrongful termination cases.
- Assist human resources in developing policies and training programs to foster compliance and reduce liability.
Contractual and Operational Support
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, leases, vendor agreements, and franchise agreements.
- Provide legal advice related to business operations, including expansion initiatives and franchise compliance.
Discovery and Trial Preparation
- Lead discovery efforts, including gathering and reviewing documentation, managing depositions, and preparing evidence for litigation.
- Represent the company in pre-trial motions, settlement negotiations, and, when necessary, trial proceedings.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active membership in at least one state bar.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of legal experience, with a strong focus on employment law, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Expertise: In-depth knowledge of laws relevant to the QSR industry, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), workers' compensation statutes, food safety regulations, and general liability principles.
- Leadership: Proven ability to manage teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and influence decision-making at the executive level.
- Skills:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation abilities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Detail-oriented with the capacity to manage a complex and high-volume caseload.
Key Focus Areas:
- Employment Disputes: Wage and hour claims, discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination.
- Workers' Compensation: Defense of injury claims filed by employees.
- General Liability: Premises liability, slip-and-fall cases, and foodborne illness complaints.
- Regulatory Compliance: Health, safety, and labor law adherence across multiple jurisdictions.
- Franchise and Contractual Matters: Ensuring compliance and mitigating risks within franchise agreements.
