Position Overview
Pod Plug is a U.S.based smart vending franchise headquartered in Texas, dedicated to enhancing the nightlife experience through cutting-edge vending technology. Our machines supply nightlife venues across the country with convenience essentials such as nicotine products, vapes, nicotine pouches such as ZYN, mystery bags and other on-demand nightlife items. As we expand operations, Pod Plug is seeking a skilled lawyer with expertise in nicotine product regulations, taxation, and artificial intelligence tools to support our legal and regulatory research functions. This remote role will be performed from South America in close coordination with Pod Plug's U.S. executive team. The lawyer will work directly with Rafael, Head of Business Development, on weekly calls to support compliance research, legal documentation, and AI-driven regulatory monitoring. The individual will play a key role in ensuring all Pod Plug operations remain compliant with federal, state, and local laws surrounding nicotine product distribution through vending machines in nightlife venues across the United States.
Primary Responsibilities
Nicotine & Tobacco Regulatory Compliance
- Conduct comprehensive legal research on federal FDA tobacco and nicotine product regulations, including the Tobacco Control Act, product registration requirements, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) compliance
- Analyze and interpret state-by-state and city-by-city nicotine product laws, including youth access restrictions, excise taxation, licensure requirements, clean indoor air regulations, and advertising restrictions across all territories where Pod Plug operates
- Monitor ongoing changes to e-cigarette, tobacco and nicotine laws at federal, state, and local levels, providing timely updates and actionable compliance recommendations to leadership
- Research and document vending machine-specific regulations for nicotine products, including permit requirements, placement restrictions, and operational compliance standards
- Prepare comprehensive compliance reports and legal memoranda for specific markets, summarizing regulatory requirements, permit processes, sales tax obligations, excise taxes, and operational restrictions
- Track and manage state preemption laws that may affect local regulation of e-cigarettes and nicotine products in target markets
AI-Powered Legal Operations
- Utilize advanced AI tools for legal research, document review, data analysis, and regulatory monitoring to maximize efficiency and accuracy
- Fact-check and verify all AI-generated legal research and analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or related field required
- Paralegal certification from an accredited institution preferred
Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of paralegal experience, preferably with focus on regulatory compliance, tobacco law, or administrative law
- Demonstrated experience conducting extensive legal research across multiple jurisdictions
- Experience with regulatory agencies (FDA, state health departments, or similar) is highly desirable
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with AI tools: Demonstrated experience using generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, legal AI research tools), legal automation software, and AI-powered document management systems
- Experience with compliance tracking software and regulatory monitoring tools
- Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new legal technology platforms
Core Competencies
- Multi-jurisdictional research: Proven ability to conduct simultaneous research across dozens of states and localities with varying regulatory frameworks
- Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to identify compliance risks and develop solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, memoranda, and training materials
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects and deadlines
- Adaptability and initiative to anticipate compliance issues proactively
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with state tobacco settlement agreements and enforcement mechanisms.
Work Environment
This is a remote position based in South America. The lawyer will collaborate directly with Rafael, Head of Business Development, through weekly check‑ins to review ongoing compliance projects, discuss regulatory updates, and coordinate legal research priorities. The role requires flexibility to accommodate communication across different time zones and the ability to work independently while maintaining consistent collaboration with the Pod Plug executive team.
Why Join Pod Plug?
Pay: From R$6,****** per month