Strategic U.S. Corporate Counsel (Contracts & Compliance)

App Group; California; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP Group) in Orange, CA seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to guide the U.S. operations, advising on commercial transactions, governance, employment law, and regulatory compliance, while partnering with leadership to minimize risk.

You will lead risk management, manage litigation with external counsel, and support growth initiatives with strategic legal guidance.

Qualifications

• JD degree and active bar membership required.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Mandarin language proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Advise on employment law matters and HR policies.
• Oversee corporate governance for U.S. entities and filings.
• Manage litigation, arbitration, and external counsel.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across federal, state, and local laws.
• Assess legal risks and support strategic business initiatives.
• Partner with executives to support growth and M&A activities.

Skills

Mandarin language

Education

Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership

Job description

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP Group) invites you to be part of our dynamic growth in North America. As one of the world’s largest integrated pulp and paper companies, with over 100,000 employees worldwide, APP delivers quality products to more than 150 countries through world-class manufacturing and a robust international sales network.

Location: Orange, California

The Senior Legal Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor for the Company's U.S. operations and provides strategic legal support to executive leadership. The role is responsible for advising commercial transactions, corporate governance, employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation management, risk mitigation, and legal support for business growth initiatives.

The position partners closely with executive leadership, finance, HR, operations, procurement, sales, and external legal counsel to ensure compliance and minimize legal risk while supporting business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret commercial agreements with customers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and strategic partners. Ensures contractual commitments appropriately protect the Company's legal and financial interests while supporting operational objectives.

Employment and Labor Law: Advises management and Human Resources on employment-related matters, including employee relations issues, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, leaves of absence, accommodations, compensation practices, and organizational changes. Provides legally compliant solutions that balance business needs with employee considerations.

Corporate Governance: Oversees corporate governance activities for all U.S. entities, ensuring compliance with applicable corporate laws, maintenance of legal records, management of entity filings, and support of board and shareholder activities.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Manages litigation, arbitration, government inquiries, and other legal disputes affecting the organization. Directs outside counsel, develops legal strategy, evaluates risk exposure, and seeks efficient resolution of claims.

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs: Provides guidance on regulatory requirements and develops processes that promote compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Supports business teams in maintaining ethical business practices and mitigating regulatory risk.

Risk Management and Insurance: Evaluates legal and commercial risks associated with business activities and recommends practical mitigation strategies. Supports insurance programs, claims administration, and contractual risk allocation provisions.

Business Partnership and Strategic Support: Serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, supporting strategic initiatives, acquisitions, restructurings, new business opportunities, and other key corporate projects requiring legal review and guidance.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership required.
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible legal experience is preferred, including significant experience supporting commercial business operations, contract negotiations, and employment law matters.
• Mandarin speaking skills is required.

Sustainability & Why Join APP

Sustainability is at the heart of APP’s operations. Join us in delivering renewable, responsibly sourced, and high-performance paper solutions while contributing to our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030.

• Learn more about our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 and Forest Conservation Policy
• Watch our Regenesis Sustainability Program video to see how we are shaping a sustainable future.

APP is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Interested?

• Apply now to join APP’s US commercial team. Only candidates with relevant experience in the industry will be considered.