In-House Legal Counsel

The In-House General Counsel shall strive to ensure that Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (“KOA”) maintains legal compliance and manages risk and safety in its operations as a corporation as well as its OAK and Terramor properties. The General Counsel shall oversee and ensure KOA’s defense in claims against it. This position acts in KOA’s best interest in all legal or transactional capacities, and professionally manage relationships with vendors, franchisees, outside legal professionals, insurance companies and their representatives, and KOA staff.

• Outside Attorneys – work with and manage use of outside attorneys who specialize in real estate transactions, liquor licensing, franchising, intellectual property (IP), data protection, cyber-security, litigation, etc.
• Contracts – support the drafting, review and legal analysis of contracts and agreements as needed.
• Governance – general corporate administration to ensure legal compliance with all state filings (ie: annual reports and foreign registrations) through the company’s partnership with CSC.
• Organization of Legal Documents – maintain corporate legal files, contracts (using HighQ), and legal invoices from outside law firms (using Legal Tracker).
• Liquor Licensing – facilitate liquor licensing and obtain and maintain appropriate DBAs. 
• Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions – support aspects of real estate transactions including due diligence, document preparation, closing mechanics, and post-closing integration as needed.
• Franchise Services – support actions undertaken to enforce brand standards and franchise obligations documented in the franchise disclosure document (FDD), assist with disputes and an occasional disenfranchisement, and support other matters affecting the governance of franchise relationships.
• FDD and Franchise Agreement Updates – assist with review and coordination of annual revisions to and filing of the FDD for both the U.S. and Canada.
• Intellectual Property (Trademarks) – direct all legal procedures related to obtaining and preserving KOA’s trademarks and other intellectual property.
• Marketing – support KOA’s granting of licenses, legal conduct of marketing sweepstakes, and introduction of marketing programs such as the “Get Out There Grant”.
• Registered Agent Services – through KOA’s registered agent (CSC), monitor service of process for KOA, and take necessary steps to notify appropriate parties if defense is needed or other appropriate action.
• Litigation and Claims – report litigated matters and other claims against KOA to appropriate parties and provide oversight and support during pre-suit, litigation and mediation. Manage the process from service to discovery and filing of pleadings, motions and briefs to settlement or trial, as well as insurance-related claims procedures. Communicate and assist with multiple defense counsel for liability claims for all OAK properties, as well as process those claims brought against franchisees and KOA to facilitate the dismissal of KOA or tender of KOA’s defense.
• Human Resources – supports the department in matters of compliance, policies, contracts, employee relations and data protection.

• Safety Committee – contribute as a participant and assist with scheduling, determining agenda items, and tracking meeting minutes.
• Insurance Support – work with KOA team and outside agent(s) concerning KOA’s liability insurance/captive, EPL policy, and Marsh including policy review and communicating regularly with adjusters, attend annual Columbus Risk Control Workshop
• Special Projects – assist with any legal situations that arise in the company, such as drafting collection letters for past due royalties from franchisees, liquidated damages from former franchisees, etc.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the Montana state bar. Current with continuing legal education.
• Five or more years of legal experience.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, including contract law, intellectual property, labor and employment law, mergers and acquisitions as well as regulatory compliance.
• Strong integrity and ethical standards, ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts and legal agreements.
• Familiarity with corporate governance, compliance matters and risk management.
• Knowledge of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration and settlement processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail.

• In-house legal counsel experience.
• Previous experience managing staff.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team.

• Highly responsive across multiple channels including email, phone, Teams, etc. and able to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations that require quick response or turnaround.
• Affinity for technology and not intimidated by learning new systems.  Proficient in Microsoft Office (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, Google Docs, and social media platforms.

• Ability to sit for extended periods as well as standing and walking
• Use hands to operate computer peripherals and fine motor skills.
• Frequent bending and reaching for items and setting up meeting rooms.
• Ability to read documents, computer screens and other written material.
• Ability to hear and understand conversations on the phone and in person.
• Ability to travel by air and automobile.