In-House Counsel

Position Overview

The In-House Legal Counsel provides strategic and hands-on legal support to a fast-growing automation and traffic technology company operating across North America. This role is responsible for advising leadership and cross-functional teams on commercial contracts, regulatory matters, and operational risks related to engineering, manufacturing, installation, and service activities. The Counsel ensures the company operates in compliance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws, while enabling business growth and protecting the company's interests. This is a highly collaborative role that supports a wide range of legal needs across the business.

The In-House Legal Counsel will report to the President/CEO.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, installation/service contracts, licensing agreements, NDAs, and subcontractor agreements.
• Support bids, RFPs, and government procurement processes for transportation and public-sector clients.
• Maintain contract templates and legal playbooks to drive efficiency and consistency.
• Advise on compliance and regulatory requirements related to transportation, roadway technology, automation equipment, and workplace safety.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the business (e.g., DOT, FHWA, Buy America/Buy American compliance, cybersecurity requirements, export controls if applicable).
• Support internal compliance programs and employee training.
• Identify potential operational and contractual risks in projects involving installation and field services.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies in coordination with operations, engineering, and leadership.
• Review insurance requirements and coverage related to projects and vendors.
• Support corporate governance activities, including maintaining corporate records, drafting resolutions, and managing entity filings in U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.
• Assist with board materials and corporate documentation.
• Provide guidance on employment issues, including hiring practices, policies, performance management, and terminations across U.S. and Canadian locations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws (e.g., FLSA, OSHA, provincial employment standards).
• Manage disputes, claims, and litigation matters, including contract disputes, warranty issues, and employment matters.
• Coordinate and oversee outside counsel when required.
• Advise leadership on legal implications of new product offerings, partnerships, data use, warranties, IP protection, and operational decisions.
• Support strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, new market entry, or vendor transitions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the U.S. (state license appropriate for the company's headquarters; ability to register as in-house counsel acceptable).
• Minimum 5–10+ years of legal experience, preferably including both law firm and in-house roles.
• Experience with technology, manufacturing, automation, construction, engineering services, or transportation/traffic industries preferred.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, especially with commercial, technical, or government contracts.
• Ability to translate complex legal/regulatory issues into practical guidance for operations, engineering, and sales teams.
• Comfort working independently in a small legal department (possibly as the sole attorney).
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across the organization.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and ability to manage sensitive information.
• Familiarity with public-sector procurement or transportation/technology industries is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. and Canadian operations