Strategic Corporate Counsel: Contracts & Growth

ACC San Diego - Association of Corporate Counsel; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive opportunities

Generous 401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive health coverage

21 days vacation + holidays

Company Car, phone and fuel card

Ace Cares Week (volunteering)

Job summary

Ace Hardware Corporation is seeking a Corporate Counsel in a role focused on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts while providing practical legal guidance across marketing, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing. You will collaborate with internal teams, manage outside counsel, and help mitigate risk in a fast-paced retail environment.

The position emphasizes clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to balance business needs with risk.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active bar admission.
• Minimum 5 years law firm or corporate law department experience.
• Ability to provide clear, business-focused legal advice.
• Strong judgment and problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts
• Develop and maintain contract templates
• Provide legal advice regarding marketing, franchising, and other corporate matters, such as mergers and acquisitions and business licensing.
• Support activities relating to franchise disclosure documents
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal risk
• Assist business clients with contract and other commercial disputes
• Manage outside counsel and legal spend as needed
• Communicate effectively with business partners and members of the legal department
• Perform special assignments or projects as assigned.

Skills

Active bar admission

5+ years experience

Business-focused advice

Strong judgment

Multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Ace Hardware Corporation is seeking a Corporate Counsel in a role focused on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts while providing practical legal guidance across marketing, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing. You will collaborate with internal teams, manage outside counsel, and help mitigate risk in a fast-paced retail environment.

The position emphasizes clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to balance business needs with risk.