VP, Deputy General Counsel

Job Title:                         VP, Deputy General Counsel

Reports to:                      EVP, Chief Legal Officer

Department:                   Legal

Location:                         RSC

Revised:                          April 8, 2025

JOB SUMMARY

This position is based in the Atlanta Restaurant Support Center and will support the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and provide legal advice and counsel to internal clients on all aspects of the law including but not limited to franchising, real estate, general corporate, marketing and advertising, IT, intellectual property, data privacy and litigation matters.  The diversity of this position requires a strong background in a variety of areas.   This individual is expected to protect the assets of Church’s by anticipating and helping to prevent potential issues and lawsuits.  The Deputy General Counsel will also provide legal compliance training to Church’s employees and keep them up to date on new business laws and regulations affecting the business. 

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides support to CLO on legal matters for the Company’s global business interests in franchise agreements, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property (registration and protection), marketing, data privacy and IT.
• Responsible for drafting and filing of state and federal franchise disclosure documents in US and disclosure documents in other countries where required.
• Provide legal support on new development agreements, franchise agreements and transfers in the US and internationally.
• Responsible for franchisee compliance and enforcement issues (domestic and international) including defaults, terminations, workouts and litigation.
• Responsible for management of worldwide trademark portfolio including clearances, applications, registrations, enforcements and licensing.
• Responsible for all advertising clearance; promotions and sweepstakes law compliance.
• Provides legal counsel on all IT and Marketing transactions and contractual relationships.
• Manages all litigation and makes recommendations regarding preventing future claims.
• Supervises and manages three legal professional staff.
• Responsible for advice regarding employee relations issues and employment matters, including offer letters, restrictive covenants, investigations and terminations.
• Responsible for drafting positions statements in response to charges filed with the EEOC or state equivalent agencies and managing employment litigation.  
• Participates in the development, implementation and enforcement of corporate policies, procedures and franchisee facing programs and initiatives.
• Responsible for the selection, retention, management and evaluation of external counsel.
• Stays current on pertinent legal and regulatory developments including international laws and regulations.

Position Requirements (Education, Qualifications, Experience):

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• A minimum of ten (10) years of legal experience, preferably with corporate in-house experience
• Ability to work independently, with minimal oversight, think creatively and flexibly, and provide practical legal solutions and concrete, easy to understand legal advice
• Ability to manage multiple internal stakeholders and balance differing opinions and perspectives
• Strong verbal and analytical skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Highly team-oriented
• Solid business acumen
• Ability to manage several simultaneous projects under deadline pressure
• Member in good standing of the State Bar
• Ability to direct and manage activities of, and relationships with, outside counsel
• Demonstrated leadership ability across multiple, cross-disciplinary teams
• Ability to gain the confidence and respect of senior management
• Ability to lead large-scale transformation work across a matrixed organization
• Excellent change management and process optimization skills

Competencies:

• Critical Thinking – Defines and resolves a situation or problem by analyzing issues involved, weighing options, and evaluating alternatives; maintains objective attitude; approaches situations and problems systematically; uses observation, experience, reflection, and/or reasoning to drive business forward. Must have the ability to assess and weigh risks for best resolution.
• Persuades and negotiates effectively - Effectively uses data, facts and relevant information to persuade or change the position of others in a discussion or negotiation. Is assertive and persistent in negotiations so that the other party has to work for their position. Obtains “win/win” outcomes that are favorable for all parties. Convinces and persuades others in either positive or negative circumstances to accomplish goals and objectives; responds to objections successfully; uses tact when expressing ideas or opinions.
• Presents Information Effectively (Oral and Written) - Communicates messages clearly and succinctly (one-on-one and group). Writes succinct, clear and comprehensive e-mails and memos. Models positive non-verbal (eye contact, intonation, enthusiasm, etc.) Prepares and delivers effective formal presentations and group meetings (as necessary. Actively participates and encourages participation during group meetings.
• Shares Relevant Information - Makes sure others have all the information needed to do their jobs including the reasons for decisions. Shares information about relevant business issues, pending and future changes or other issues with all team members so that informed decisions made. Effectively uses diverse methods for communicating important information to others (e-mails, phone calls, one-on-one meetings, “drop-bys”, and team meetings).
• Manages Execution – Manages multiple projects and effectively prioritizes tasks and goals; uses goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks; utilizes resources effectively to meet goals.
• Relationship Management – Initiates and develops relationships with others; demonstrates credibility; confronts conflict quickly and professionally; inspires confidence in others.
• Knowledge of Regulatory Developments - Stays up to date on all recent regulatory developments (through reading and attending relevant update presentations or classes). Is aware of relevant recent regulatory changes at the state, national and local levels.

Physical Requirements:

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. If you’re hungry for a career that’s fun, fast-paced and loaded with opportunity, then you’ve come to the right place. At Church's®, we’re not your typical quick service restaurant. We make real comfort food that makes a difference in peoples’ lives. And for over 60 years, our restaurant has been a place where hard-working people can get ahead and go on to do amazing things by serving others.

2. Church’s Chicken is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes hiring and employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.