General Counsel

Big Blue Swim School; Illinois; Remote; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing mission-driven company seeks a General Counsel to manage legal matters, focusing on franchise law and compliance. This role involves drafting agreements, advising on regulations, and supporting corporate governance. The ideal candidate will have extensive legal experience in franchising and strong communication skills. Join a passionate team committed to excellence and help shape the future of the organization.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefit plans

Remote Work Environment

Competitive paid time off

401k with Company match

Qualifications

• 7+ years of legal experience with at least 3 years in franchising law.
• Experience managing outside counsel and litigation matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal matters including franchising, employment, and commercial contracts.
• Draft and negotiate franchise agreements and ensure compliance with franchise laws.
• Provide risk management strategies to mitigate litigation exposure.

Skills

Franchising Law

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Negotiation

Dispute Resolution

Leadership

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Title: General Counsel

Location: Remote - Chicago area strongly preferred. Candidates in VA, TX, GA, and MI may also be considered in accordance with tax and administrative compliance.

Big Blue Swim School is a fast-growing, mission-driven company that aims to show kids they can do anything by unlocking their full potential in the water. With 45 locations open and over 200 franchise locations awarded across the country, we are scaling rapidly toward our vision of 400+ units nationwide. Our team is passionate, entrepreneurial, and committed to excellence - and we’re looking for in-house General Counsel to lead and manage all legal matters for our organization.

Overview:

We are seeking a business oriented, strategic, and hands-on General Counsel to lead and manage all legal matters for our company and franchising operations. The General Counsel will be a key member of the Executive Team and will provide legal guidance and risk management across the company, with a specific focus on franchise law, regulatory compliance, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution. You will play a key role in supporting the company’s growth through sound legal structuring of franchise programs and maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all legal matters across the company including franchising, employment, real estate, and commercial contracts.
• Draft, review, and negotiate franchise agreements, area development agreements, master franchise agreements, and related documents.
• Advise on federal and state franchise laws and ensure compliance with the FTC Franchise Rule and state-specific franchise registration and disclosure requirements (FDD).
• Maintain and update the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) annually or as needed.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders on strategic expansion, licensing, and compliance considerations.
• Support corporate governance activities including board meetings, resolutions, and entity management.
• Advise on employment law, intellectual property, advertising, marketing claims, real estate leases, and supplier/vendor contracts.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings, disputes, arbitrations, and manage outside counsel as necessary.
• Provide risk management and preventative legal strategies to mitigate litigation and regulatory exposure.
• Monitor legal trends, changes in franchise regulations, and emerging risks impacting the franchising industry.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active license to practice law in applicable states.
• 7+ years of legal experience with at least 3 years directly in franchising law (in-house or at a law firm).
• Experience working with franchise systems, including FDD preparation, registration, and enforcement.
• In-house experience in a multi-unit franchise brand is a plus.
• Strong understanding of business law, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Experience managing outside counsel and litigation matters.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to operate independently, balance legal risks with business needs, and provide clear, actionable advice.
  
  
  

We Offer:

• Comprehensive health benefit plans with significant employer contributions
• Remote Work Environment/Work from home
• Competitive paid time off
• 401k with Company match
• The salary for this role may vary based on experience with a common range of $225,000-$275,000 plus bonus opportunity, with the potential for long-term incentives