Description
Our Legal Counsel serves as a trusted business partner to Murdoch’s Leadership Team, providing practical, risk-based legal guidance that enables growth while protecting the company. The role focuses on risk analysis across the company, strengthening decision-making and partnering closely across the business’s key functions, particularly Real Estate and Human Resources.
The ideal candidate combines strong legal judgement and commercial acumen paired with professional humility – recognizing when specialized expertise is required. With a variable workload, the individual should understand retail operations and be comfortable balancing risk with speed in a fast-moving business environment.
This position also calls for a strong passion for cost effective legal service delivery, including thoughtful use of outside counsel, active matter and budget management, and continuous efforts to reduce legal spend through risk based decision making, internal enablement, and process improvement—without compromising quality or business outcomes.
***Preference will be given to candidates located in Bozeman, MT.***
Remote Work Available in the Following States: MT, WY, ID, CO, NE, TX.
As a Murdoch's Team Member, you will...
Real Estate & Development Support
- Partner closely with Real Estate and Construction teams on store development, leasing, renewals & remodels.
- Advise on lease negotiations, construction agreements, development risks, and real estate-related disputes.
- Provide risk assessment and guidance on growth opportunities, landlord relationships, and long-term property strategy
Employment Law & HR Partnership
- Act as a key legal partner to HR and leadership on employment law matters, including employee relations, investigations, wage and hour issues, ADA/FMLA matters, policies and compliance
- Support proactive risk management related to hiring practices, performance management, terminations, and workforce policies.
- Advise & assist in developing and maintaining employment related policies and training programs aligned with company culture and values.
Contract Guidance
- Provide strategic guidance and negotiation support on material, complex, or higher risk contracts (e.g., real estate, construction, technology, marketing, and significant vendor agreements).
- Establish frameworks, standards, and decision tools that allow the business to manage routine contracts without requiring legal review of every agreement.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify and assess legal risks across the organization and help develop mitigation strategies that align with business priorities.
- Oversee compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including employment, consumer protection, and retail specific requirements.
- Support corporate governance matters and adherence to company policies and procedures.
Strategic Legal Partnership
- Support strategic initiatives by identifying legal risks early and helping teams structure solutions that enable progress while managing exposure.
- Serve as a thought partner and proactive advisor, translating legal considerations into clear, practical business guidance
Requirements
As a Murdochian in this role, you must...
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
- Admitted to and in good standing with the Montana State Bar.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate/business law, preferably with experience in the retail industry.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial real estate law, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Experience working as in-house counsel is preferred.
- Familiarity with intellectual property law is preferred.
- Experience managing litigation and working with outside counsel is preferred.
Physical Demands:
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Repetitive wrist movements on keyboard.
- Close vision for computer work.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Competitive Benefits + Compensation:
- Amazing Employee Discount on everything from clothes to power tools to pet food.
- Multiple Health Insurance* options to best suit your needs after 60 days.
- Dental & Vision options to complete your health plan.
- Life Insurance to secure your family’s financial future.
- Paid Vacation* allows you to relax and recharge.
- Holiday Pay throughout the year so you can celebrate with your family.
- Paid Sick Time** empowers you to stay home and focus on your health without losing pay.
- 401(k) with a generous 4% company match to help plan for retirement.
- Paid Parental Leave* to take time to bond with your family’s new addition.
- Community Giving Program matches your donations and provides paid volunteer hours.
- Wellness Program* saves you money by lowering medical premiums with credits earned.
- Training Program helps you expand your knowledge and skills with over 250 courses.
- Other various Voluntary Insurance Options.
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