Associate Counsel- U.S. Business and Franchising Team

Company Description:

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us.

From drive thru updates to delivery to mobile order and pay, we are innovating quickly and growing. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our crew members, staff, operators, and suppliers. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. We are interested in people who enhance our company culture: Does this role interest you? We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement!

 

Job Description:

As an Associate Business Counsel on McDonald's U.S. Business and Franchising Team, this attorney will provide legal counsel and support to the field business units of McDonald's USA, LLC on a variety of legal issues, including in the areas of franchising, operations and finance.  The position reports to the Managing Counsel of the U.S. Business Counsel and Franchising Team.  

Overall Responsibilities

The Associate Business Counsel has responsibility and ownership for the effective handling of legal matters for McDonald's USA, providing strategic and tactical direction, legal advice and support to regional officers and key members of the U.S. leadership team.  In that capacity, this person will be expected to build strong working relationships with key personnel and provide advice and counsel on key business decisions and strategies. 

Although the Associate Business Counsel provides legal advice on a wide range of subjects, including operations and finance, there is a strong focus on the franchising relationship.  This person will be expected to develop an understanding and broad knowledge of the McDonald’s business, and a detailed knowledge of McDonald’s Franchise Agreement, National Franchising Standards, and franchising and finance policies in order to support senior management in executing business plans and developing and implementing company policies and procedures.  This attorney will participate on cross-functional crisis management teams.  In addition, this person will be responsible for identifying situations that require leveraging other legal resources, both internal (i.e., litigation, marketing, development) and external, and collaborating to ensure appropriate legal support is provided to the U.S. business.

This attorney will also assist in the preparation and completion of documentation for franchising restaurant franchise transactions for their assigned field office assignments, including helping to facilitate transactions including sales between operators, sale of company-owned restaurants and acquisitions of owner/operator restaurants. 

This person will work closely with various members of the Legal Department to ensure appropriate alignment, collaboration and consistency and to identify and implement best practices.   

 

Qualifications:

• Licensed attorney with 1-3 years of in-house legal experience.
• Critical success factors for the position include the ability to provide pragmatic and effective legal advice that advances the objectives of the business while helping management properly discharge their fiduciary duties.
• Strong technical expertise, including litigation and/or transactional experience, and knowledge of the US legal system and laws.
• Strong people skills, including the ability to effectively influence others, and collaborate in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals both inside and outside the company.
• Strong results orientation to ensure business objectives are met and comply with all laws and regulations.
• Ability to lead on critical business and legal issues, which includes making difficult decisions and identifying alternative solutions.

Additional Information:

McDonald’s is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Additionally, if you (or another applicant of whom you are aware) require assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise seek assistance in the application process, please contact recruiting.supportteam@us.mcd.com

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.