Corporate Counsel - Litigation

JOB DESCRIPTION

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NASDAQ:COO), is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com

Job Summary:

This role will report to the Senior Director of Labor Law & Litigation. This role includes proactive management of claims and litigation for all CooperCompanies operations and implementation of litigation strategies in alignment with company mission and objectives. The role requires a self-starter who is able to work both independently and collaboratively and can perform and deliver results in line with the Legal Departments Mission of delivering effective, efficient and innovative legal support to the global Cooper organization.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• As part of the CooperCompanies legal team, manage and oversee all phases of litigation and dispute resolution processes, including investigation, discovery, pre- and post- proceeding written submissions, preparation of witnesses for testimony, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, oral arguments, litigation and appeals.
• Represent the company professionally and ethically in addressing early dispute resolution of conflicts.
• Prepare legal documents such as attorney correspondence, notices of claim, settlement agreements, general releases, a wide variety of reports, and litigation documents.
• Manage responses to a wide variety of legal requests, requests for information, non-party witness subpoenas, garnishments, and other escalated matters independently.
• Conduct targeted legal research in connection with liability risks, pending matters, and potential industry trends.
• Serve as a company representative for various proceedings, which may include in-person attendance at depositions, trials, motions, arbitrations, mediations, agency and/or regulator proceedings.
• Analyze risk exposure and provide counsel on proactive strategies to manage or mitigate risks and claims in a cost-effective manner.
• Serve as a liaison to key business contacts, legal team members, and internal witnesses with respect to the progress of litigated matters.
• Draft regular, clear communications and development updates to internal stakeholders.
• Prepare evaluations of settlement demands and make well-supported recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support, instruct and manage external counsel, where required, to maximize efficient use of external counsel and ensure external counsel has all necessary resources and information to execute assignments.
• Work collaboratively with external counsel to ensure court filings by external counsel contain accurate information and appropriately reflect the necessary content.
• Effectively manage litigation expenses, ensure compliance with applicable insurance reporting guidelines and outside counsel requirements.
• Comply with confidentiality and evidence preservation obligations including protocols for issuance and tracking of legal hold process.
• Be involved in refining litigation management policies and procedures.
• Deliver or assist in delivering training and communications regarding litigation management protocols, evidence preservation, risk management, and other relevant legal issues.
• Stay abreast of legal developments and anticipate and develop compliant responses to changes in the law that impact the business.

Travel:

This role may involve travel to the companys operations within North America, and more rarely, around the world, depending on the needs of the business. Travel is not expected to exceed 15% of the position.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Admitted (and in good standing) to practice as an attorney in a U.S. state or qualified for registration as in-house counsel in a U.S. state.
• Possession of (or ability to secure) a valid passport or the equivalent credentials in order to travel internationally.
• Knowledgeable in federal and state level litigation; knowledge of Canadian (provincial and federal) litigation as well as some exposure to litigation forums outside of North America will be a distinct advantage.
• Proven ability to resolve a wide variety of conflict in a timely and proactive manner.
• Background in medical devices, pharmaceutical or health care industry is preferable, though not essential.
• Excellent communication and research skills, including detail-oriented effective writing, clear public speaking, and ability to quickly establish trust and credibility in interactions with people.
• Understanding of financial documents, accounting for attorneys, and budgeting.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, professionalism, and integrity are requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects and internal client demands.
• Effective time management and delivery of on-time results to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with technical and scientific disciplines, and to work effectively with subject matter experts.
• Collaborative approach to working with a wide range of other disciplines, often across regions and time zones.
• Excellent business acumen, ability to think strategically and formulate concrete recommendations.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Strong skills and comfort level in full range of computer programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and ability to quickly adapt to customized software for various functions.
• Bilingual/multilingual skills not essential, but an asset.
• Cultural competency in a wide variety of situations.

Work Environment:

• Prolonged sitting in front of a computer and using the telephone/conference facilities.
• Majority of time is spent in typical office environment, although intermittently, the role may include other types of work environments, such as manufacturing, distribution, and research facilities.
• This is not a remote position. The position may be fully based or hybrid based in Victor, New York.

Experience:

• At least four years of experience in working in an in-house environment, large law firm, or combination with a broad base of litigation experience. Four to eight years of experience is preferred.
• Litigation experience must involve direct representation of a client in proceedings such as motions, discovery, trial, and/or alternative dispute resolution forums.
• Conflict resolution experience required, including direct settlement negotiation. Completion of conflict resolution training or certification program is a plus.
• Substantial experience drafting complex legal documents is required.
• Experience of delivering pragmatic legal advice to meet business objectives.
• Track record of success in conflict resolution.
• Experience with insurance policies and complying with insurer procedures and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining a positive and collegial, team-oriented environment.

Education:

• Admitted and in good standing to practice as an attorney in the United States (and/or another jurisdiction in which the person can qualify for registration as an in-house counsel)
• Juris Doctorate received from an accredited law school (or similar degree from an educational institution outside of the United States).
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited four-year university (or similar degree from an educational institution outside of the United States).

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting base pay for this role is between $140,848 and $187,797 and may include cost of living adjustments. The actual base pay includes many factors and is subject to change and modification in the future. This position may also be eligible for other types of compensation and benefits.

#LI-RK1