Description:

Living Our Values
All associates are guided by Our Values. Our Values are the unifying foundation of our companies. We strive to ensure that every decision we make and every action we take demonstrates Our Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates lasting benefits for all of our associates, shareholders, and the communities in which we live.

Job Summary:
The Associate Counsel will provide legal advice to support the vision and strategic objectives of Gulf States Toyota and affiliates and advise and assist management in building comprehensive and dynamic business plans and programs. The Incumbent will assist the Chief Legal Officer and other members of the GST Legal Team to 1) advise management on the legal requirements, implications, and liabilities of all essential business plans, programs, contracts, and agreements; 2) quickly identify risk issues and recommend practical business strategies to mitigate legal and financial risk for GST and affiliated companies; 3) provide advice to ensure business unit compliance with current business requirements, including all applicable law, rules and regulations; and 4) manage all aspects of legal claims and litigation. The Incumbent is also responsible for cross-functional coordination by enhancing and maintaining efficient and constant internal communications within GST and between the affiliated companies.

Essential Functions:
  • Provide legal services to GST and affiliated companies.
  • Advise and counsel officers, executives, managers, and associates about all pertinent business and legal matters affecting GST and affiliated companies; determine legal aspects and prudent actions for management to take regarding GST's and affiliated companies business transactions under the specific circumstances.
  • Provide advice to ensure GST and affiliated companies understand legal and compliance requirements. Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, practices, and training to ensure that GST and affiliated companies comply with legal requirements and that associates are knowledgeable of and comply with current federal, state, and local laws, applicable to its clients' business.
  • Negotiate, draft, and review various agreements for all aspects of the business, including marketing, supply chain, information technology, data management and artificial intelligence.
  • Provide advice and manage legal issues and litigation concerning GST and affiliates; develop risk management and preventative strategies to deal with legal and business issues; assist senior management to identify, develop and implement legal strategies to handle various business and legal issues; engage and manage outside counsel as needed.
  • Fully coordinate, communicate, and provide legal services and actions, as appropriate, within GST and affiliated companies as directed.
  • Able to work both independently and collaboratively on business transactions as well as civil litigation matters.
  • Provide research, analysis, and recommendations on various industry best practices.
  • Cultivate flexibility, compatibility and strong rapport with associates at all levels to support strong reputation of GST Legal Team.
  • Responsibly receive, transmit, and handle consumer and customer data per applicable policies and procedures.
  • Review and follow data privacy practices, policies, and guidelines.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
May directly supervise one or more employees. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited United States Law School and 8 to 15 years of experience as Corporate Counsel or Associate Corporate Counsel in a medium to large public or private company or as an Associate or Counsel in a medium to large law firm or comparable legal practical experience is required.
  • Must be a member in good standing of the Texas bar.
  • Experience with civil litigation (including warranty and products liability) and transactional matters (including product and service agreements, technology, real estate, etc.).
  • Experience in negotiating and drafting agreements.
  • Experience or knowledge of general business issues within the automotive industry, especially involving distribution, franchising, accessories, marketing, and market representation is strongly preferred.
  • Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are a must.
  • Superior collaboration skills with other team members and clients are a must.
  • Proven ability to help clients find creative and compliant solutions to business challenges.
  • Possesses strong project management and prioritization skills to ensure business goals are accomplished within applicable deadlines.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations*
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited United States Law School

Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the associate is required on a daily basis to analyze and interpret data, communicate, and remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the workday; and frequently access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The associate is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The associate is occasionally required to travel to other sites, including out-of-state, where applicable, for business. The associate must frequently move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While the job is generally performed in an office environment, the associate is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, areas in which moving mechanical parts, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals are present, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the office environment is typically quiet, but the associate may be occasionally exposed to loud noise levels.

Travel Required:
Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 20% of the time and on a domestic basis).