Associate Corporate Counsel

Job Description

Associate Corporate Counsel

Watsco, Inc. is North America’s largest distributor of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies (HVAC/R) and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2023, Watsco was named to FORTUNE Magazine’s Fortune 500 and in 2022 to FORTUNE Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Company list, based on a variety of factors including long-term investment value, innovation, quality of management, social responsibility, competitiveness, financial stability and ability to attract talent. We operate the industry’s largest network for HVAC/R products with 671 locations covering large portions of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Latin America. Through its sales of high-efficiency HVAC/R equipment, Watsco also plays an important and significant role in the drive to lower CO2e emissions. This role presents the opportunity to be an integral part of our corporate legal team and to support an innovative company with an entrepreneurial spirit. The position will be based at Watsco’s headquarters in Coconut Grove, Florida on a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week in the office. Open to other flexible options for the right candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review and assist in the negotiation of a variety of commercial agreements for the company’s day-to-day operations, including terms and conditions applicable to proposals, purchases orders, supplier agreements, consignment agreements, third-party vendor contracts, marketing and revenue share agreements, SaaS contracts, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Negotiate effectively and constructively with internal partners, external clients and other third parties.
• Assist in contract management, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions, tracking amendments/addendums, and renewal/termination deadlines.
• Develop, recommend and update standard/recommended legal language for internal client use.
• Draft and review terms and conditions, terms of use and privacy policies applicable to e-commerce sites.
• Assist in preparation of corporate resolutions and filings, including annual reports and DBA/fictitious name filings.
• Provide practical and understandable analysis and advice on various legal issues, including commercial transactions, breach of contract claims, demands for indemnity, data protection/privacy and intellectual property.
• Work closely with our VP of Legal Affairs to anticipate and identify legal risks and to develop pragmatic, business-oriented legal strategies, processes, and solutions.
• Work with Risk Management and Compliance to minimize legal exposure by proactively reviewing existing policies and practices, while considering business objectives and practicalities.
• Assist outside counsel in gathering documentation needed to file and maintain service marks and trademarks.
• Assist outside counsel in the investigation and defense of litigation matters, including gathering relevant documents and information.
• Assist with employment matters as needed and provide legal guidance to HR leaders, including drafting of employment agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and policies and procedures.
• Assist and coordinate aspects of commercial real estate transactions; draft and review leases and lease amendments as needed with business unit real estate teams.
• Stay abreast of new legislative and regulatory requirements applicable to the business and recommend changes to policies and processes, as appropriate.
• Provide training on a range of legal and compliance matters.

And here is what you will need to be successful:

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. degree from ABA accredited law school; admission to the Florida Bar or willingness and qualification to be Authorized In-House Counsel.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of commercial and/or corporate legal experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts including terms and conditions of sale, indemnity and insurance provisions, intellectual property provisions, confidentiality, and termination rights, vendor agreements and SaaS agreements.
• Ability to issue-spot on a wide range of legal and business issues and risks (contractual, legal, compliance, etc.) and assist the business in implementing necessary processes or process improvements.
• Experience delivering practical advice under pressure and prioritizing work.
• Ability to multi-task and manage a variety of projects, working independently and with minimal direction.
• Must be organized and responsive with a can-do mindset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation and negotiation skills.
• Team player with ability to successfully interact with and influence a diverse group of non-legal stakeholders, including senior business leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk and to exercise sound legal judgment.
• A strong sense of ethics, governance, and fiduciary responsibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience with implementation and/or operation of contract lifecycle management software