Chief Legal Officer (General Counsel)

Our client, a premier entity in the chemical sector, is on the lookout for a seasoned and strategic Chief Legal Officer (General Counsel) to augment their executive team. This pivotal role, based in Washington, DC with a hybrid work schedule, entails protecting the company's legal interests and ensuring adherence to various regulatory requirements. The General Counsel, with a competitive salary of $350K to $450K annually, will directly report to the President and CEO while managing a vibrant Legal Services team.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Legal Leadership:

  • Formulate and execute robust legal strategies, including handling both offensive and defensive litigation.
  • Partner with technical and policy units to offer insights on regulations and legislation pertinent to the chemical industry.

• Risk Management:

  • Supervise legal risk management, inclusive of political and lobbying compliance.
  • Oversee contracts with external entities, ensuring effective risk mitigation.

• Corporate Governance:

  • Direct corporate governance activities, including Board and Board Committee processes.
  • Function as Corporate Secretary, ensuring sound governance practices.

• Compliance Oversight:

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including antitrust regulations.
  • Act as Chief Compliance Officer, managing the Code of Ethics and Conduct program.

• Team Management:

  • Lead the Legal Services department, setting performance goals, conducting reviews, and promoting employee development.
  • Manage the selection, retention, and oversight of outside counsel.

• Budget and Administration:

  • Oversee the creation and management of the annual legal operational budget.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in relevant jurisdiction(s).
• At least 12 years of legal experience, with a minimum of 8 years in advocacy or related roles.
• Proven expertise in the chemical industry or related fields.
• Experience with federal government agencies (e.g., EPA) or related regulatory bodies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) laws.
• Proven experience in board governance and trade associations.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal and compliance issues.