Corporate Counsel

Group 1 Automotive; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Group 1 Automotive is looking for a Corporate Counsel based in Houston, Texas. This role will provide legal support in areas like capital markets, securities, and corporate governance. The ideal candidate will have 6-8 years of relevant experience and be a member of the Texas Bar. Responsibilities include drafting contracts, advising on SEC filings, and supporting compliance programs. The position emphasizes strong communication and analytical skills, with opportunities to lead projects and work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Admission and member in good standing of a State Bar qualified to practice as in-house counsel in Texas.
• 6–8 years of experience in law firm and/or in-house roles, with emphasis on capital markets and M&A.
• Strong skills in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

• Support capital markets activities and compliance program.
• Draft and negotiate contracts for transactions.
• Advise on Securities Act and Exchange Act matters.

Skills

Corporate law

Securities laws knowledge

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

Overview

The Corporate Counsel is responsible for providing appropriate and responsive legal support and advice to the Company on a variety of legal matters, with a particular focus on capital markets and securities, public company reporting and corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic transactions. The Corporate Counsel will also draft, negotiate, and implement a broad range of contracts and provide compliance support across the enterprise. This position must have a solid business orientation and focus on practical problem solving, while upholding the Company’s strong ethics, culture, and principles of integrity.

Responsibilities

• Support the Company’s capital markets activity, including registered offerings, debt issuances, credit facility amendments, and other financing transactions, working closely with senior attorneys, outside counsel, underwriters, and lenders;
• Assist with the preparation and review of the Company’s periodic and current SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and Section 16 filings (Forms 3, 4, and 5);
• Advise on Securities Act and Exchange Act matters, including Regulation FD, insider trading, Rule 144, and NYSE listing requirements, and assist in maintaining the Company’s insider trading and related‑person transaction programs;
• Provide transactional support on dealership acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions, including drafting and negotiating letters of intent, purchase agreements, real‑estate documents, manufacturer framework documents, and ancillary deal documentation;
• Coordinate and manage legal due diligence and post‑closing integration matters, including regulatory and manufacturer approvals;
• Draft, review, edit, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and transactional agreements;
• Coordinate with and seek feedback and input from subject‑matter experts across the Company to complete contract reviews and approvals;
• Support the Company’s compliance program, including Code of Conduct administration, policy development and training, and anti‑corruption, sanctions, and whistleblower matters;
• Provide responsive and effective legal support and counsel to all of the Company’s departments as needed;
• Identify legal risks and recommend and implement risk mitigation strategies;
• Support business initiatives and acquisitions;
• Manage and direct outside counsel as appropriate;
• Perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Admission and member in good standing of a State Bar and qualified to practice as in‑house counsel in Texas;
• Minimum of 6–8 years’ experience at a law firm and/or in an in‑house position, with a meaningful combination of capital markets, securities and public company reporting, corporate governance, and transactional M&A experience;
• Core competencies must be in corporate law, with demonstrated working knowledge of the federal securities laws and SEC rules and regulations applicable to public companies (Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes‑Oxley, Dodd‑Frank, and related SEC and stock exchange requirements);
• Some experience supporting corporate compliance programs and related advisory work;
• Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and transaction documents;
• Excellent written and verbal communication, research, and presentation skills;
• Excellent analytical and creative problem‑solving skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with business leaders, sales personnel, and subject‑matter experts;
• Practical, logical, and efficient problem solver;
• Strong work ethic, team player, and positive attitude;
• Organized and keen attention to detail;
• Results oriented, self‑motivated, and self‑directed;
• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and ability to handle confidential and market‑sensitive information;
• Able to handle multiple concurrent assignments, and assume personal responsibility for deliverables under tight deadlines, working well under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in‑house experience at a publicly traded company, including experience supporting a Board of Directors and standing committees;
• Experience, within or for the automotive industry, or in another multi‑state, retail, or franchise‑regulated business;
• Experience with a wide variety of contracts, including commercial and technology;
• Excellent project management skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.

Education

• A Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school with a strong academic record is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening.