In-House Legal Counsel- Litigation

JOB SUMMARY:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Textron Aviation, home to the iconic brands of Cessna and Beechcraft, and be part of a collegial legal operations team with a reputation of providing practical legal counsel to our business partners. This attorney position provides counsel to company leadership and business operations concerning a broad range of legal issues with a focus on the active management of disputes, claims, aviation product liability litigation, product safety, and general commercial/contract litigation. A successful candidate must be an approachable, solution focused, and proactive business partner. This position requires a candidate with a broad range of legal skills, demonstrated expertise in product liability and commercial litigation, and/or demonstrated expertise in aviation. Candidates with a working knowledge of UCC contract law, FAA regulations, and manufacturing operations is greatly preferred.

• This position will office in Wichita, KS, (not a remote, virtual or hybrid position) and report to the Sr. Associate Counsel or General Counsel depending on candidates’ level of experience. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        Partner with business leaders to develop policies and procedures related to aviation product and general product safety, FAA, NTSB and other federal regulations as well as foreign aviation regulatory agencies.

·        Work directly with business counterparts to identify legal risk and issues raised in pre-litigation, disputes, or other claim related matters.

·        Active litigation management and counseling, with a focus on aviation product and general product liability related matters both domestic and international. This includes identifying appropriate trial counsel; establishing and managing eDiscovery procedures; maintaining communications with all key stakeholders, including outside counsel and Company business leaders; ensuring proper insurance coverage and handling by insurance adjusters; and working with risk finance to manage costs and exposure.

·        Advise stakeholders concerning compliance with legal requirements related to all types of legal matters and pre-litigation using knowledge of legal precedents and company policies.

·        Assist with and oversee case management of all types of litigation matters, whether before an administrative agency or court of general jurisdiction.

·        Participate in and support other legal matters and activities, including legal training, as required.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

·        Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school.

·        Must be a member of the Kansas bar or meet eligibility requirements for admission to the Kansas bar under Rule 721 for a corporate law license.

·    A minimum of 7 years of experience in law firm or in-house with a minimum of 5 years of relevant products liability and commercial litigation experience. 

·        Relevant trial experience in both federal and state courts.

·        Pilot or aviation experience preferred.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Inspires trust and confidence throughout the organization with a drive to deliver quality results on time and in a highly ethical and professional manner.

·        Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, work diplomatically, be approachable, and foster relationships with individuals at all levels.

·        Strategic thinking, business acumen and exceptional problem-solving skills.

·        Highly developed written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate recommendations and options regarding complex legal issues.

·        Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments simultaneously with a minimum amount of supervision.

·        A team player with an open, mature and positive personality who is willing to share and communicate information effectively.

·        Must have strong work ethic and a desire to consistently perform at the highest levels of competence.

·        Ability to travel globally and domestically on a limited basis.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.