Associate Counsel

BNSF Logistics is a technology and people-driven third-party logistics company that delivers what matters – to our people, our customers, our carriers, and our communities.  BNSF Logistics is a place where diverse talent works together every day in an inclusive way to create and implement the best ideas to help us DELIVER WHAT MATTERS.  We achieve this through our commitment to our Guiding Principles which helps us create the ultimate competitive advantage in the marketplace.

We PROTECT THE WELL-BEING OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS
We DRIVE INNOVATION AND EMBRACE TRANSFORMATION
We RESPECT AND SERVE EVERYONE We KEEP OUR COMMITMENTS
We FOSTER A COLLABORATIVE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
We CELEBRATE AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Primary Functions:

This role is primarily a transactional position and will lead our contracting process in the negotiating, drafting, reviewing, revising, and tracking a wide variety of customer and supplier agreements related to freight brokerage and project management services provided by BNSF Logistics and its subsidiaries.  In addition, the role will present opportunities to be involved in other areas of legal matters such as managing the company’s litigated matters, supporting the administration of various compliance programs including human resources, risk management, customs and border control, and foreign transactions (FCPA), and supporting the company’s patent portfolio.

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor, current law license (Texas preferred, but not mandatory)
• Minimum 3 years of work experience as a practicing lawyer (in-house, law firm, or government) in the area(s) of contract negotiations and transactions, real estate, compliance, or litigation
• High-performing individual with ability to work independently and balance a complex workload among various client groups and manage applicable deadlines
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus and communicate compelling legal and business justifications
• Excellent legal research, verbal, and written communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Lexis/Nexis research system and other legal research tools
• Ability to use and manage a cloud-based contract database and docketing tools
• Experience working in the transportation and logistics industry a plus

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison between various business units (sales, operations, management, etc.), outside legal counsel, and customer or vendor representatives to coordinate the contracting process
• Demonstrate judgment in balancing legal requirements and business interests
• Review, draft and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including transportation provider/vendor agreements, master services agreements, purchase orders, non-disclosure agreements, leases (land, equipment, software, etc.), and related documents
• Manage contract administrative processes
• Assist with the development of form agreements and implementation of processes and procedures for review and approval of contracts
• Act as a company resource for contract questions
• Ensure adherence to the company’s compliance programs and support contract due diligence processes
• Provide legal advice and counsel concerning other general law issues
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned

Additional Employment Statement

Applicants seeking employment in the US must possess work authorization that does not necessitate sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States, both presently and in the future.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.