Legal Counsel

Position Overview

As the first Legal Counsel for the Manteno plant, you will serve as the primary legal advisor for all local operations. You will work closely with plant leadership, corporate headquarters, and external counsel to ensure compliance with U.S. federal and Illinois state laws, with a strong focus on labor relations and corporate law. This role is critical in supporting Gotion's growth and mitigating legal risks in the manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise management on labor and employment law matters, including union-related issues, employee relations, dispute resolution, and compliance with U.S. and Illinois labor regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and corporate documents to support plant operations.
• Provide legal guidance on corporate governance and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Support and oversee environmental compliance matters, ensuring adherence to applicable environmental laws and regulations relevant to manufacturing.
• Partner with HR to address workplace disputes, employee grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Manage legal aspects of compliance programs, audits, and investigations.

Collaborate with external counsel for specialized or complex matters.

• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations, advising leadership on potential impacts.
• Contribute to building the legal function for the plant, laying the groundwork for future expansion of the legal team.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized law school.
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably including in-house counsel experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Proven expertise in labor and employment law (including union negotiations and dispute resolution).
• Solid understanding of corporate law and contract management.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance regulations in the U.S. manufacturing context.
• Familiarity with Illinois state laws and regulatory environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
• High level of integrity, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience working in a multinational corporation, especially with Chinese or Asian-based parent companies.
• Prior experience setting up a legal function in a new facility or business unit.