Job Description

About the Role

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a seasoned legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, cross-border logistics environment.

The In-House Counsel will play a central role in guiding the company’s growth, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting business interests in both the U.S. and Mexico. The In-House Counsel will serve as the company’s first dedicated legal executive, responsible for establishing and managing all legal functions within the organization. This individual will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, supporting business growth and ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

Corporate & Commercial Legal

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of client agreements, vendor contracts, and transportation/logistics service contracts across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
• Structure and manage cross-border and international contracts, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and service-level agreements.
• Advise leadership and business units on contractual rights, obligations, and risk management strategies to support commercial growth.

Regulatory Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Develop and maintain internal compliance frameworks, policies, and training programs aligned with U.S., Canadian, and Mexican laws and regulations (FMCSA, DOT, CBP, CBSA, SAT, etc.).
• Oversee compliance with transportation, trade, labor, environmental, safety, and ESG standards.
• Establish internal audit and monitoring systems to ensure ongoing compliance and mitigate risk.
• Advise on data privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate governance obligations across jurisdictions. Maintain corporate records and ensure compliance with state, federal, and international reporting requirements.

Cross-Border Trade & Customs

• Provide legal guidance on import/export, customs, and cross-border shipping matters.
• Ensure compliance with NAFTA/USMCA rules of origin, tariff classifications, and related trade documentation.
• Partner with operations and finance teams to address customs audits, broker relationships, and trade disputes.

Real Estate & Facilities

• Oversee legal aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leases, renewals, and property management for terminals, warehouses, and offices across North America.
• Draft and negotiate commercial leases, purchase agreements, and construction contracts.
• Manage relationships with landlords, brokers, and external counsel to ensure favorable and compliant property arrangements.

Employment & Labor Law

• Advise on employment and labor matters in multiple jurisdictions, including driver relations, independent contractor compliance, and wage and hour regulations.
• Partner with HR to manage investigations, disciplinary actions, and policy development.
• Ensure adherence to U.S., Canadian, and Mexican labor laws and coordinate with outside counsel as needed.

Litigation, Claims & Insurance

• Manage and coordinate external counsel for litigation, cargo claims, and liability matters.
• Oversee resolution of commercial disputes, accidents, and contract-related claims.
• Collaborate with Risk Management and insurers to ensure adequate coverage and effective claims handling.

Strategic Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership, providing business-oriented legal counsel.
• Educate management and operational teams on emerging legal and compliance risks.
• Foster a culture of compliance, ethics, and proactive risk management throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Active license to practice law in Texas (other States preferred).
• Minimum 8+ years of legal experience, with at least 4 years in-house or advising transportation/logistics or cross-border businesses.
• Strong experience with commercial contracts, corporate compliance, and real estate law.
• Working knowledge of Mexico legal frameworks, particularly relating to employment and trade, and ability to coordinate with outside counsel in Mexico.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ExpertRecruiting, Inc. in an equal opportunity employers. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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