Strategic General Counsel for Franchise & Compliance

Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co.; Sedalia (MO); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life Insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. is seeking a strategic General Counsel to lead the Legal & Compliance function and support a growing multi-state franchise network.

The role blends corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracting to drive business success while safeguarding the company’s interests. The ideal candidate will have a JD, Missouri eligibility to practice, at least 10 years in corporate or law firm settings, and proven franchise regulatory experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Eligible to practice law in Missouri or eligible for in-house counsel registration.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including corporate or law firm background.
• Franchise regulatory law experience, including FDD prep, filings, multi-state compliance.
• Experience advising at a senior level, ideally as General Counsel or senior in-house counsel.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal leadership to executive management and department leaders.
• Lead and develop the Legal & Compliance team; oversee priorities and coaching.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks across the company.
• Develop policies, procedures, and compliance programs to reduce risk and support business goals.
• Oversee franchise regulatory compliance, including FDD filings and state registrations.
• Draft and negotiate contracts with vendors, schools, leases, and service agreements.
• Ensure privacy and other regulatory compliance across the business.
• Guide employment law issues and provide training to employees and franchisees.
• Evaluate and govern AI tools and legal tech to improve operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

Ethical standards

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

AI-powered legal tools

Job description

Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. is seeking a strategic General Counsel to lead the Legal & Compliance function and support a growing multi-state franchise network.

The role blends corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracting to drive business success while safeguarding the company’s interests. The ideal candidate will have a JD, Missouri eligibility to practice, at least 10 years in corporate or law firm settings, and proven franchise regulatory experience.