Legal Counsel

Norsk Hydro; Illinois; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Life Insurance

Education Assistance

Retirement Savings Plans

Bonus Plan Eligibility

Parental Leave

Job summary

A global aluminium company seeks a Legal Counsel in Illinois to provide strategic legal support in corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters. The role demands at least 6 years of post-JD experience and involves drafting and negotiating contracts, managing compliance initiatives, and leading legal projects. Ideal candidates will have strong contract law knowledge and communication skills. This position requires a Juris Doctor degree and a license to practice in Illinois, with limited travel for meetings.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of legal experience post-JD.
• Experience managing outside legal counsel.
• Ability to provide sound legal advice across various matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive legal advice on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and negotiate complex contracts.
• Lead M&A transactions and manage litigation.

Skills

Drafting and negotiating contracts

Corporate law advice

Regulatory compliance

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

License to practice in Illinois

Job description

Hydro Extrusions is a world‑leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standards profiles to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries. Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses with focus on a safe and good workplace for our 30,000 employees in more than 140 locations.

What we offer you

• Medical, Rx, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans with Company Match/Contributions
• Education Assistance
• Bonus Plan Eligibility
• Parental Leave

Job Summary

The Legal Counsel role is designed for a qualified attorney with at least 6 years (post‑JD) of legal experience either at a law firm or in‑house. The role provides strategic legal support across a broad spectrum of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and other legal matters, serving as a key advisor and subject matter expert in at least two areas of law (preferably one in employment law) to internal stakeholders with little supervision. The role involves such responsibilities as drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts, analyzing and advising on compliance matters, and supporting compliance/corporate governance initiatives. The role may also assist more senior attorneys with M&A transactions and other important projects. The role involves leading projects in commercial transactions, employment law, data privacy, litigation, and intellectual property issues. The role requires strong business acumen and the ability to deliver practical legal solutions that align with organizational goals. Additional responsibilities include developing and delivering legal training programs, managing outside counsel, and contributing to the enhancement of legal processes and policies. The role is a member of the Group Legal Department and reports directly to the Vice President & Head of Legal – North America.

What you will be doing

• Provide proactive, pragmatic legal advice on a wide range of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including supply, distribution, licensing, procurement, and technology agreements.
• Advise on compliance, corporate governance, and risk management initiatives; develop and implement legal policies, playbooks, and training.
• Lead small to mid‑level M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, agreements and post‑merger integration.
• Lead small to mid‑level litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory investigations, while closely managing outside counsel.
• Draft documents and communicate with clarity and precision.
• Serve and be responsible as the lead legal contract for one or more business units or functional areas.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Associate Legal Counsel; review their work as needed.
• Lead strategic legal projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the legal department.
• Serve as a legal resource to internal stakeholders to understand and support their needs and priorities.
• Stay abreast of legal and industry developments, proactively identifying risks and opportunities for the business.

What will make you successful?

Required Education/Experience

• Juris Doctor degree from a fully accredited U.S. law school
• License to practice law in the state of Illinois.
• At least 6 years of post‑Juris Doctor legal experience, ideally with a combination of law firm training and in‑house counsel exposure, covering a variety of legal subject areas.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts.
• Proven ability to provide sound legal advice on broad spectrum of corporate, commercial, regulatory, and other legal matters.
• Exposure to cross‑functional collaboration across multiple jurisdictions with a broad variety of business functions.
• Experience managing outside legal counsel.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Strong understanding of foundational principles in contract law, corporate law, and compliance.
• Some familiarity with employment law, data privacy regulations, and intellectual property.
• Working knowledge of legal risk management principles and corporate governance practices.
• Awareness of industry‑specific legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of litigation processes and dispute resolution strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex legal issues, while maintaining a pragmatic orientation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills tailored to both legal and non‑legal audiences, especially in the context of providing training.
• Creativity and resourcefulness. Proactive and enthusiastic team‑player attitude.
• Sound project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, as well as adapt to changing priorities.

10–20% travel to North American plant locations, with international travel to one Group Legal Department meeting per year.

Equal Opportunities

Hydro in North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer where all phases of employment are based strictly upon the qualifications of the individual as related to the work requirements of the position. This policy is applied without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all to contribute and succeed with us.

Application Assistance

If you need an accommodation in order to complete the application, please contact Hydro Recruiting via email at [e-mail].