Associate Counsel

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.