Legal Counsel

Kex Express; California; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Kex Express is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to serve as the primary in-house advisor for our North American logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations. The role supports commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution across freight forwarding, warehousing, trucking, intermodal, and cross-border activities.

You will draft and negotiate contracts, advise on regulatory matters (FMCSA, DOT, sanctions), manage claims, and provide practical

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Active bar membership in at least one US jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of legal experience in logistics, transportation, or manufacturing.
• In-house or law firm with transportation practice preferred.
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills.
• Knowledge of US transportation and logistics regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements (customers, vendors, 3PL).
• Advise on regulatory compliance across federal, state, and local laws.
• Manage cargo claims, disputes, and coordination with insurers.
• Support governance matters, data privacy, and risk management.
• Provide business-focused legal guidance to Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain teams.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Litigation oversight

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Legal Counsel will serve as the primary in-house legal advisor for the company’s logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations across the United States. This role supports commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution while enabling business growth in freight forwarding, warehousing, trucking, intermodal, and cross-border logistics.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contract Management

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage:
• Customer transportation and warehousing agreements
• Freight forwarding terms & conditions
• Carrier agreements (trucking, air, ocean, rail)
• 3PL, 4PL, and fulfillment contracts
• Vendor, SaaS, and technology agreements (WMS, TMS, automation)
• Advise business teams on contract risk allocation, liability limits, indemnities, insurance, and force majeure clauses
• Standardize contract templates and playbooks to improve deal velocity

Regulatory & Compliance (Logistics-Specific)

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including:
• FMCSA, DOT, and transportation safety regulations
• Maritime and air cargo regulations (where applicable)
• Customs, import/export, and trade compliance (CBP, EAR, OFAC, sanctions)
• Warehouse safety and OSHA compliance
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting transportation, labor, and cross-border logistics
• Support internal audits and compliance programs

Risk Management & Claims

• Manage cargo claims, loss/damage disputes, and service failures
• Coordinate with insurance brokers and carriers on coverage, claims, and renewals
• Advise operations teams on risk mitigation strategies across warehouses and transportation lanes
• Oversee litigation and disputes with outside counsel as needed

Corporate & Governance

• Support corporate governance matters, including:
• Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and partnerships
• M&A, asset purchases, and strategic alliances
• Maintain corporate records and support board and executive leadership
• Advise on data privacy and cybersecurity issues related to customer and shipment data

Employment & Labor Support

• Advise HR and leadership on:
• Employment law compliance (FLSA, wage/hour, worker classification)
• Independent contractor vs employee issues (especially drivers and warehouse labor)
• Union, labor relations, and workforce disruption risks
• Review employee policies, handbooks, and disciplinary actions

Business Advisory

• Serve as a trusted legal partner to Operations, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams
• Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to support growth while managing risk
• Train internal stakeholders on legal and compliance topics relevant to logistics operations

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active bar membership in at least one US jurisdiction
• 5+ years of legal experience, preferably in:
• Logistics, transportation, supply chain, or manufacturing
• In-house legal department or law firm with transportation practice
• Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills
• Knowledge of US transportation and logistics regulatory framework

Preferred

• Prior in-house experience at a logistics, 3PL, freight forwarder, or transportation company
• Experience with international trade, customs, and cross-border shipping
• Familiarity with warehouse operations and fulfillment environments
• Experience supporting M&A or joint ventures

Key Competencies

• Practical, business-focused legal judgment
• Ability to balance risk and commercial objectives
• Strong communication skills with non-legal stakeholders
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced operational environment
• High attention to detail with strong prioritization skills