Assistant General Counsel - M&A / Commercial Job

The Assistant General Counsel – M&A / Commercial position is part of the U.S. Law Department and works closely with Global M&A Law Team and the US Commercial Team.

The position reports directly to the U.S. General Counsel for M&A and indirectly to the Associate General Counsel for all commercial matters.

Successful candidate shall provide high quality, cost-effective legal services that minimize the Company's incurrence of liability and ensure that its rights are enforceable by (i) providing advice on the structure and implementation of M&A and other commercial transactions; (ii) providing advice as to the effect of agreements and rules of law governing such matters; (iii) negotiating and drafting or reviewing such agreements; (iv) supervising and managing due diligence efforts; and (v) assisting with risk mitigation, claim analysis, and commercial advice in M&A and other transactions.

Some business travel may be required. (Approximate Time 20%)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Function as a key member of the in-house M&A and commercial teams and the overall Arkema law department. Fast-paced environment, requiring wide range of capabilities, and flexibility.
• Support and provide legal support on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, restructurings and other commercial transactions to multiple business units and functional departments within Arkema and its subsidiaries (approximately 45%):
• Provide legal advice on all mergers and acquisitions needs, including contracting, antitrust, and policy compliance.
• Provide advice on laws at both the federal and state level.
• Work independently with business group and functional department clients in the US and globally with limited supervision as primary U.S. M&A legal advisor to the businesses, as well as with law department colleagues on all transaction issues.
• Draft and review M&A contracts of all types for businesses and functions, as well as all ancillary agreements.
• Engage in and supervise due diligence activities. Supervise outside counsel. Conduct risk assessment and analysis within M&A context and within the overall Company structure.
• Handle small deals in-house.
• Review diverse types of commercial and business contracts for assigned business and functional departments as part of the commercial team, including but not limited to NDAs, purchase and supply contracts, and distribution, sales representative, private label, tolling, rebate, logistics, software and services agreements (approximately 45%)
• Negotiate, draft and advise BUs and staff departments on major commercial and capital projects and contracts; advise on antitrust, force majeure and other commercial law issues
• Advise Supply Chain and BUs on US and foreign export/import and customs laws and regulations
• Manage outside counsel where outside expertise is required

Other Assigned Duties (approximately 10%):

• Provide training to the businesses regarding all aspects of M&A, antitrust, and other commercial transactions
• Advise on compliance with various Company policies. Management of outside counsel and in-house support personnel. Other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Education Required

• Minimum 8 years’ experience required
• Experience handling a wide variety of large and small commercial contracts matters as well as M&A matters required
• Both law firm and in-house experience preferred, but not required. Big law firm experience is a plus
• PA Bar preferred
• Juris Doctorate required
• Primary practice areas: M&A, commercial law, contracts, and antitrust

Competencies - Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Excellent attention to detail skills essential
• Excellent writing and analytical skills are must
• Excellent judgment and discretion required
• Must be able to work independently
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work with diverse client base including CEO, CFO, Business Heads, and other senior level management
• Need a team player that is flexible and adaptable, able to function in fast-paced environment

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Will occasionally require working additional hours outside of normal workday/workweek to meet certain deadlines throughout the year
• Hybrid schedule – minimum 3 days in the office
• Travel to remote locations may be required