General Counsel

General Counsel

Inter-State Studio is a family-owned school photography and yearbook company that has been successfully serving schools for 90 years.

By listening to the needs of our customers and utilizing the latest technologies, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality school portraits and yearbooks with affordable pricing and excellent service.

About the Role

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative General Counsel that will translate Inter-State Studio's vision into actionable legal strategy that protects and supports the company and its growing network of franchise partners.

This is a business-minded leadership role that pairs broad corporate legal responsibility with focused ownership of our franchise regulatory program. Leading the company's Legal & Compliance function, will include supervision and development of the Legal & Compliance team, as well as partnering closely with executive leadership, teams across the organization, and our franchise partners.

In addition to the legal work performed, success in this role will also include the business outcomes achieved, risks appropriately managed, and trust built across the organization.

What You'll Do

Legal Leadership & Risk Management

- Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership and department leaders on a wide range of legal and business matters

- Lead and develop the Legal & Compliance team, providing direction, coaching, and oversight of departmental priorities

- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks, including commercial disputes, regulatory matters, and contract breaches

- Develop and implement legal policies, procedures, and compliance programs that support business objectives and mitigate risk

- Coordinate with external counsel and represent the company in legal proceedings as needed

- Partner with executive leadership to proactively identify organizational risks and develop appropriate response strategies

Franchise Regulatory Compliance

- Oversee the drafting, review, and approval of the Inter-State's annual Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreements

- Lead annual FDD filings and franchise registration and renewal processes across applicable states

- Ensure ongoing compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule and applicable state franchise laws

- Provide real-time legal guidance regarding disclosure requirements, exemptions, franchisee onboarding, territories, and transaction structuring

- Lead the company's franchise compliance program in partnership with Franchise, Operations, and Legal & Compliance teams

- Support process improvements and automation that enhance FDD production and franchise compliance

Corporate Governance & Commercial Matters

- Oversee corporate governance practices and maintain corporate documents and the company's legal entity structure

- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including vendor and supplier contracts, school bids, acquisition contracts, leases, and service agreements

- Facilitate licensing, trademark, statutory, and business license filings

- Ensure compliance with privacy regulations and other regulatory requirements relevant to the business

- Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Finance, IT, Franchise, and other departments on contracts, agreements, and legal matters

Employment & People

- Provide legal guidance on employment law, employee relations, labor matters, and regulatory compliance

- Draft and review employment agreements, non-disclosure agreements, non-compete provisions, and related documents

- Provide legal and compliance training to employees and franchisees

- Partner with leadership and HR on employment-related risk and compliance matters

Legal Operations & Innovation

- Lead the evaluation, implementation, and governance of AI-enabled legal tools and technologies

- Identify opportunities to improve contract management, legal research, compliance monitoring, risk assessment, and legal workflows

- Establish appropriate controls for the ethical and compliant use of AI and legal technology, including data privacy considerations

- Continuously improve legal processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and business value

Qualifications

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school

- Eligible to practice law in Missouri or eligible for in-house counsel registration

- Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including significant experience in a corporate legal department or law firm

- Franchise regulatory law experience, including FDD preparation, filings, and multi-state compliance

- Proven experience providing legal counsel at a senior level, ideally as General Counsel or senior in-house counsel

- Extensive knowledge of corporate, employment, commercial, and regulatory law

- Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills

- High ethical standards and professional integrity

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in franchising, retail, or another multi-unit business model

- Experience leading or supervising legal and compliance professionals

- Hands-on experience leveraging AI tools, legal technology, and workflow automation to improve legal operations

- Experience in manufacturing or with distribution agreements

*Please note: You do not need to meet every qualification listed to be considered. We encourage you to apply if you meet most of the requirements and are comfortable opening a dialogue about the role.

Additional Information

- Remote or hybrid work options available

- Regularly 40 hours per week, as business needs require

- Periodic travel of approximately 10% or more to Sedalia, field locations, or franchise locations

- Primarily office-based work requiring extended computer use with occasional lifting and movement of up to 25 pounds

What We Offer

- Competitive Salary based on experience

- Technology Allowance

- Annual performance merit and discretionary bonus

- Coverage and reimbursement for business travel expenses

- Benefits options include Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 401k with a company match, and paid time off

- A supportive work environment that lives our values- People, Integrity, Innovation, and Quality

Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.
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