Counsel (Litigation)

Dine Brands International; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Dine Brands Global, Inc. is seeking an experienced Litigation Counsel in Pasadena, CA for full-time, hybrid work. The role emphasizes hands-on management of litigation for Applebee’s, IHOP, and related brands, with direct involvement in strategy, discovery, and witness preparation.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of civil litigation experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to oversee outside counsel while advising on pre-litigation matters and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of civil litigation experience at a top-tier law firm or corporation.
• Knowledge of all phases of litigation in state and federal courts with discovery and trial prep.
• Experience managing outside counsel and handling diverse litigation matters.
• Strong negotiation, written and verbal communication, and business judgment.
• Knowledge of labor, employment, trademark, patent, consumer, privacy, or regulatory disputes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on management and handling of litigation for the company and brands.
• Direct involvement in case strategy, investigations, discovery, and witness prep.
• Manage outside counsel for cost-effective resolution of matters.
• Advise on pre-litigation matters and provide business-focused legal counsel.
• Oversee discovery responses, document preservation, and data collection strategies.
• Serve as counsel of record when necessary and support compliance initiatives.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Trial preparation

Discovery management

Outside counsel oversight

Pre-litigation counsel

Negotiation

Juridical strategic advice

Team collaboration

Education

JD from a top-tier law school

California Bar admission or in-house registration eligibility

Job description

## Counsel (Litigation)Apply: Pasadena, CA: Full time: Posted Yesterday: JR2288Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop brands. As of December 28, 2025, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 20 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at www.dinebrands.com.Job Location TypeHybrid-Dine Brands Global, Inc. has an immediate opening for an exceptional attorney to serve as Litigation Counsel. Under the direction of the Associate General Counsel, this attorney’s primary responsibilities will include: (1) hands-on management and handling of litigation matters for Dine Brands, and its brands, including Applebee’s and IHOP. This will include direct involvement in case strategy, investigations, discovery, witness preparation, motion support, and resolution in arbitration, mediation, and state and federal courts; (2) processing and conducting initial review of new lawsuits, attorney demands, and regulatory complaints; (3) active management of outside counsel for strategic and economic resolution of litigation matters; (4) serving as counsel of record as necessary; (5) advising and counseling on pre-litigation matters; and (6) business counseling for compliance as well as risk mitigation.**Skills & Requirements:*** 5+ years of civil litigation experience in a top-tier law firm and/or corporation* Knowledge of all phases of litigation and trial process in both state and federal court including hands-on experience with all aspects of discovery and litigation preparation* Experience in alternative dispute procedures, including mediation and arbitration* Experience advising on and managing a variety of litigation and threatened claims, with the ability to both oversee outside counsel and personally perform litigation functions to drive efficient, cost-effective outcomes.* Experience providing practical, business-focused legal counsel on potential disputes, legal risks, and other pre-litigation matters* Ability to handle oversight and review of discovery responses, including legal hold implementation, document preservation, collection strategies, and responses to discovery requests* Self-starter, ownership and initiative of all matters and issues* Strong negotiation, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills* Track record of initiative, problem solving abilities, and intellectual curiosity* Interest and understanding of a wide range of litigation matters, including in labor and employment, trademark, patent, consumer litigation, class actions, regulatory, privacy, and general business disputes* Strong organizational and time management skills required* Excellent business judgment, ability to think strategically and give practical advice* Excellent interpersonal skills; must be a team player and work well in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, team environment* Experience with the restaurant or hospitality industry, franchise law, employment law, or privacy law is a benefit* JD from a top-tier law school and a member of the California Bar, or qualified to register as an in-house attorney in California* Target base salary 175-190k depending on experience