Counsel, Compliance and Litigation

Job Description

Grace is seeking a Counsel, Litigation and Compliance to join our Legal team. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment and Compliance, with a dotted line to the Assistant General Counsel, Environmental Remediation and Litigation, this position is based at Grace’s Columbia, MD headquarters.

This attorney will be instrumental in navigating a complex portfolio of claims and litigation matters, including personal injury claims and commercial disputes. Beyond managing legal risks, a core focus will be on championing and ensuring a robust, effective compliance program and fostering a culture of integrity throughout Grace.  The role requires a hands-on legal professional who can drive effective litigation outcomes, elevate Grace’s compliance infrastructure, and develop innovative programs, policies, training and processes to achieve these critical aims.

Responsibilities

Litigation/Claims Management:

• Lead the comprehensive assessment of legal matters, developing proactive and effective litigation strategies and overseeing end-to-end case management.
• Prepare insightful risk assessments and provide timely case updates, including securing necessary approvals for settlement authority.
• Collaborate directly with mission-critical business stakeholders to manage and resolve disputes, always seeking optimal outcomes.
• Strategically select, engage, and manage outside counsel to ensure cost-effectiveness and superior legal representation.
• Draft and review complex legal documents, including pleadings, declarations, discovery demands, discovery responses and motion papers.
• Supervise and optimize the e-discovery process.
• Identify and translate litigation learnings into actionable insights, promoting preventative measures across the organization.
• Manage and report on litigation budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline.

Compliance Leadership:

• Contribute to and provide collaborative leadership for the overall vision and strategic direction, enhance Grace’s compliance program and cultivating a strong ethical culture.
• Drive the continuous improvement, implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures to ensure unwavering adherence to global laws and regulations.
• Oversee the prompt receipt, investigation and effective resolution of alleged violations of the Code of Conduct, company policies or other compliance requirements.
• Ensure the seamless operation of a highly effective and efficient compliance training program.
• Conduct impactful and engaging training on compliance topics and monitor compliance training completion rates.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) with a strong academic record, and active membership in good standing of a State Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with a proven track record in litigation management.
• Highest level of judgment, discretion, and integrity.
• A proven self-starter, results-oriented, and high-energy team player with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Exceptional ability to think critically, rapidly absorb new substantive areas, analyze complex problems and data, and develop creative and practical solutions.
• Capacity to assume ownership and work independently with minimal supervision, driving initiatives to completion.
• Adept at clearly and accurately identifying nuanced legal issues, translating them into relevant business context, and providing actionable legal counsel to business leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of conveying complex legal concepts with clarity and impact. .
• Dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive team and work environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively and adapt seamlessly to dynamic and evolving situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior global litigation and compliance experience.
• Experience supporting global corporations on compliance, legal, and regulatory issues.
• Experience overseeing and/or conducting internal investigations.
• #LI-RR1

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans  
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave (salaried only)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program