Senior Counsel

Description:

FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Ford dealers, is seeking a Senior Counsel to join its legal team in a hybrid role requiring on-site presence at least three days per week. This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned attorney who can independently manage complex legal matters across various functions, including commercial and technology transactions, digital marketing, data privacy, cybersecurity, employment law, and regulatory compliance.

As Senior Counsel, you will be a strategic business partner, offering sound legal advice, handling contract drafting and negotiation, managing data privacy efforts, and supporting compliance initiatives. The role demands exceptional legal judgment, business acumen, and the ability to operate with autonomy in a fast-paced, evolving landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and negotiate complex commercial and technology contracts

• Lead privacy and data-related matters across departments

• Provide employment law guidance and regulatory compliance support

• Support pre-litigation matters and risk assessment

• Collaborate with internal teams to improve legal, compliance, and privacy operations

• Mentor colleagues on legal processes and business alignment

• Oversee and manage outside counsel as needed

• Stay updated on relevant laws and provide strategic legal advice to mitigate risk

Qualifications:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and licensed to practice in Michigan or another U.S. state

• 7+ years of legal experience, including 3+ years in a law firm; in-house counsel experience preferred

• Proficient in commercial contract negotiation, privacy laws, cybersecurity, and regulatory matters

• Strong communication and presentation skills, including for executive-level audiences

• High ethical standards, proactive problem-solving ability, and detail-oriented mindset

• CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional) certification preferred but not required

Skills and Traits:

• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• High emotional intelligence and teamwork orientation

• Strategic and analytical thinking with practical business sense

Travel Requirement: Minimal

About FordDirect:
FordDirect is a technology and marketing company that supports Ford and Lincoln dealers by delivering digital solutions and services. Emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and respect, FordDirect fosters a culture where all voices are valued, and team members are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully.