Associate Corporate Counsel, Contracts (602)

SUMMARY:

The Associate Corporate Counsel, Contracts plays a critical role in advancing VSE’s strategic objectives by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements that support its Distribution, MRO, USM, and Manufacturing segments. In addition to ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements, this role provides practical, solutions-oriented advice that enables business growth while effectively managing risk. Reporting to the Senior Corporate Counsel, Contracts & Compliance, the Corporate Counsel works closely with commercial business leaders, their teams, and senior executives across the organization to strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners worldwide.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare, review, and negotiate routine and complex commercial contracts for VSE’s Distribution, MRO, USM, and Manufacturing segments, enabling strategic and operational relationships with Commercial and B&GA customers, OEM suppliers, vendors, and business partners.
• Manage a wide range of agreements including distribution, licensed repair station, long-term purchase and supply, maintenance and repair services, consignment agreements, aircraft and engine purchase, IT consulting, and construction contracts.
• Provide day-to-day legal advice and support to the business teams relating to contract negotiation and interpretation and other general business issues.
• Maintain the contract database including the tagging of new contracts and the tracking and communication of key contract clauses and commitments to the business teams.
• Draft, update, and maintain VSE forms and templates such as NDAs, Distribution Agreements, Terms and Conditions of Sale / Purchase, Rebate Agreements, Consulting Agreements, and other forms.
• Assist with real estate leasing transactions including reviewing and negotiating LOIs and lease agreements while coordinating with property managers to support business operations across VSE’s global network of distribution and repair facilities; maintain and track VSE’s lease and owned properties schedule.
• Identify and address legal and regulatory gaps and risks by developing mitigation strategies.
• Assist with a variety of additional legal matters, including filing bankruptcy claims, drafting, and responding to demand letters, supporting the export compliance team, and reviewing government contracting requirements.
• Communicate with and manage outside counsel on legal issues requiring specific expertise.
• Support the Chief Legal Officer and other members of the Legal Department on various matters as needed.
• Monitor aviation regulatory changes and industry trends and communicate significant changes to the Legal Department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Licensed attorney admitted to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Florida preferred).
• 2+ years of experience with an emphasis on drafting and negotiating commercial contracts; medium/large law firm or in-house experience preferred.
• Excellent drafting, writing, and communication skills; able to efficiently review and redline agreements in a pragmatic manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across business teams and simplify complex legal issues.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills; sound legal and business judgment, with the confidence to make informed decisions and assess acceptable levels of risk.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Superior organizational skills and attention-to-detail; experience or interest in developing, establishing, and maintaining legal processes that support business goals.
• Demonstrated initiative, responsiveness, and follow-through in resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Aviation industry (parts distribution and repair) experience highly preferred; relevant experience in other distribution-focused industries will also be considered.
• Experience advising on export compliance matters.

OTHER:

• The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.