About this role
The Associate Counsel supports the Legal & Compliance function as a hands-on contract and litigation resource for the business. This role owns the day-to-day flow of commercial agreements, from first review through redline and execution, and provides direct support on employment matters, restrictive covenant enforcement, and freight claims. The attorney will work closely with sales, operations, HR, and outside counsel to move deals forward quickly while protecting the company's risk position.
Primary Responsibilities
Contract Review and Redlining
Review, redline, and negotiate carrier agreements, broker-shipper agreements, master service agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, and real property leases. Apply standardized fallback positions on indemnity, insurance, cargo liability limits, payment terms, limitation of liability, and termination. Escalate off-market terms with a clear recommendation rather than a referral.
Labor and Employment Support
Assist with the defense of employment claims, charges, and lawsuits, including EEOC and state agency responses, document collection, witness preparation support, discovery response drafting, and coordination with outside employment counsel. Advise HR on separations, accommodation requests, wage and hour questions, and internal investigations.
Restrictive Covenant Enforcement
Initiate and manage enforcement of non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality obligations. Draft cease and desist letters, assemble evidentiary records of customer and carrier solicitation, evaluate enforceability by jurisdiction, and coordinate with outside counsel on injunctive relief where warranted.
Claims and Demand Management
Review and respond to cargo claims, freight charge disputes, and third-party demands. Analyze Carmack Amendment exposure, contractual liability caps, and insurance coverage. Draft demand letters, denial letters, and settlement agreements. Support recovery efforts against carriers and their insurers.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as an accessible legal partner to terminal leaders, sales representatives, and operations staff. Deliver clear, practical answers on realistic timelines and train business teams on the contract and claims issues that surface most often.
Experience and Education Requirements
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolActive bar admission in Indiana, or admission in another U.S. jurisdiction with eligibility for Indiana admission0 to 3 years of practice experience. Commercial contracts, transportation, insurance defense, or labor and employment backgrounds preferredFamiliarity with transportation law concepts, including the Carmack Amendment, broker versus carrier liability, and FMCSA regulatory framework, or demonstrated ability to learn them quicklyExperience drafting and negotiating commercial agreements in a business environmentCore Competencies
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate legal risk into business termsSound commercial judgment with a bias toward closing deals rather than cataloging riskProven ability to manage a high volume of concurrent matters in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentMeticulous attention to detail in drafting, with strong organizational and analytical capabilitiesProficiency with contract lifecycle tools, document management systems, and Microsoft Word tracked changes and comparison functionsStrong cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus without direct authorityDemonstrated initiative, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement and professional excellence
Additional Information
Competitive base salary commensurate with experienceDirect exposure to executive leadership and substantive matter ownership from day oneOn-site training and career development with a fast track to promotionInsurance benefits including: Health, vision, dental, life, and disabilityPaid holidays and paid time off after 90 days