Sr. Counsel, Legal - Franchise

Overview

The Senior Counsel, Franchise Law position is a full-time position responsible for providing solution-oriented strategic legal counsel on a wide variety of franchise system-related matters. The position initially will have responsibility for providing strategic direction and legal advice relating to restaurant locations, formats, and concepts owned and operated by local Chick-fil-A franchised business owners. The role will involve work that includes (1) advising on laws and regulations governing registration and disclosure of franchise opportunities; (2) advising on laws and regulations governing relationships with Franchisees; (3) negotiating, drafting, and implementing franchise system-related contract terms in conformity with applicable laws; (4) advising on methods of consistent accountability assurance with regard to all parties responsibilities and boundaries under applicable contracts and laws; (5) advising on potential or actual issues affecting relationships with Franchisees or third parties, including related legal and practical risks; and (6) developing and providing education and training to various business groups and stakeholders regarding franchise model risks. The position will require developing a broad understanding of the Chick-fil-A business and its local ownership franchise business model, and a detailed knowledge of Chick-fil-As Franchise Agreement, Operating Standards, Operational Requirements, etc. to support management in executing business plans and developing and implementing franchise system-related company policies and procedures.

This role is based in Atlanta, Georgia. If a candidate meets our relocation policy guidelines, Chick-fil-A does offer relocation.

Our Flexible Future model offers a healthy mix of working in person and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community.

Responsibilities

Providing solution-oriented strategic counsel to leaders within various departments and internal cross-functional groups at Chick-fil-A, Inc., primarily relating to locally owned and operated franchised restaurant business locations, on various issues to include, without limitation:

• Registration and disclosure requirements for restaurants, concepts, and formats;
• Drafting and implementation of Franchise Agreements, Leases, and Concession Assignments, and other franchise system-related agreements in coordination with business leaders;
• Assuring accountability for responsibilities and boundaries under applicable agreements, including compliance with minimum requirements and operational standards;
• Identifying and addressing potential risks associated with contemplated actions, considering applicable contract terms and laws and various theories of potential liability, including single enterprise, joint employer, and apparent authority, in addition to practical business risks;
• Coordinating with others in Chick-fil-As Legal Department and other departments regarding various issues affecting contracts and relationships with Franchisees and third parties;
• Developing, conducting, and assisting with education and awareness programs for Company and subsidiary Staff regarding franchise systems and related responsibilities, boundaries, and risks;
• Advising on proactive management of risks related to potential or actual disputes with Franchisees or third parties, considering applicable contract terms, laws, and regulations in addition to practical business risks, including those associated with ending business relationships or agreements or other situations;
• Assisting Chick-fil-A, Inc. in-house attorneys and outside counsel with management and strategy regarding litigation and pre-litigation matters arising out of or related to relationships with Franchisees or third parties;
• Advising on issues related to non-traditional restaurant locations, formats, and concepts operated by Chick-fil-A Franchisees and food service provider and self-operating Licensees, as needed;
• Conferring and consulting regularly with Team Leadership on current and upcoming projects, plans, and developments;
• Serving on cross-functional teams and attending business meetings to provide legal advice to business partners on a wide variety of franchise law and related subjects across the organization; and
• Helping manage outside legal counsel work and costs.

Minimum Qualifications

• State Bar membership
• Demonstrated academic success in law school (top 25% of class)

Preferred Qualifications

• Subject-matter focused, in-house corporate or large law firm experience related to franchising and complex business systems.
• Subject-matter focused experience with negotiating, drafting, and revising complex commercial agreements and related documents.
• Subject-matter focused experience with business litigation and/or employment law matters.
• Strong communication and relationship skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills.
• Ability to identify and set priorities.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• High level of initiative and desire to work within an in-house legal department.
• Ability to serve leadership and supporting roles in cross-functional projects and/or on cross-functional teams.

Minimum Years of Experience

Travel Requirements

Required Level of Education

Major/Concentration

Minimum GPA (4.0 Scale)