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Our Human Resources Department is focused on ALDI’s most valuable asset: our people. With teams including Administration, Employee Communications, Payroll & Benefits, Human Resource Information Systems, Legal, Risk & Security, Recruitment and Training & Development, HR makes sure that ALDI continues to employ talented and motivated people that are focused on preserving the supportive culture we're known for.

In this role, the Corporate Counsel I - Litigation/Labor Relations will be responsible for managing risk and providing practical advice and counsel to the business on products liability, labor relations, government investigations, intellectual property, food and non-food regulatory compliance, and other laws and regulations impacting the retail industry. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience advising internal clients on applicable laws and regulations and practicing before federal and state courts and various administrative agencies.

Position Type: Full-Time
Work Location: Naperville, IL

This role is eligible to participate in ALDI’s Hybrid Work Program, which requires work in-office at least 2 days per month.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Communicates effectively and informs direct leader of issues, status, and results of assigned tasks.
• Researches, analyzes, and keeps current on legal issues and laws, legislation, regulations, and court decisions affecting the relevant area(s) of law.
• Works proactively and reliably under tight timeframes at the direction of the direct leader and/or independently.
• Assists as a liaison for various areas of National Services; works strategically to provide guidance to internal team members and relevant areas of the business.
• Performs pre-litigation work to minimize risks and potential liability. 
• Assists in identifying best practices in relation to legal and compliance processes and programs.
• Ensures compliance with legal documentation and Company policies.
• Partners and liaises with outside counsel on legal matters and manages relevant external consultants.
• Forms collaborative relationships with leaders and various areas of the business to execute strategies and efforts to support the growth/strategic objectives of the Company.
• Assists with preparation and analysis of data to identify legal exposures and risks.
• Drafts memorandums of law, attorney correspondence, reports, and other pleadings.
• Assists on special projects, as requested.
• Recommends process improvements for area of responsibility.
• Works strategically to provide guidance to various ALDI departments and divisions on relevant matters.
• Evaluates and analyzes legal cases then reports findings to direct leader; researches unique legal issues impacting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions, and codes; responds to legal inquiries from multiple areas of the business where appropriate.
• Identifies proactive, cost-effective solutions that will eliminate and/or mitigate legal and business risks.
• Manages multiple projects and initiatives with various deadlines.
• Ensures effective implementation and communication of Legal programs, providing visibility of key milestones and progress.
• Researches and advises management on emerging legislative and regulatory changes affecting relevant areas of the business.
• Communicates unique legal issues impacting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions and codes.
• Assists in designing, implementing, and driving process improvements and infrastructure solutions to enhance the department’s ability to assist the Company and function efficiently.
• Collaborates with team members and communicates relevant information to leadership.
• Upholds the security and confidentiality of documents and data within area of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

ALDI Acts Competencies:

Perform within ALDI Acts competencies as outlined below.

• Collaborates and Cooperates with Team: Commits to and supports a collaborative and high-performing working environment with peers and managers.     
• Drives for Success: Seizes opportunities and proactively takes concrete actions to complete tasks. Goes the “extra mile” and persistently overcomes obstacles to improve outputs.  
• Focuses on the Customer:  Seeks to understand underlying customer needs to create value. Drives the team to maintain focus on customers.     
• Focuses on Quality: Takes an efficient, analytical approach to solve problems or produce outputs in an accurate and timely manner. Ensures quality and accuracy of results.
• Plans and Prioritizes: Sets priorities and organizes information to efficiently and effectively get the job done. 

Job-specific Competencies:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Gives attention to detail and follows instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management; maximizes productivity.
• Prepares written materials to meet purpose and audience.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external parties.
• Knowledge of rlevant United States laws and ability to assist in defending the Company in various areas of litigation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including creativity and ability to communicate information accurately and proficiently, while being concise and understandable to non-lawyers.
• Demonstrated success as a hard-working, high-integrity, well-organized and self-motivated team member who can manage and prioritize requests and oversee and improve complex business and legal processes. 
• Knowledge of how legal issues affect organizations and the ability to develop strategies to coordinate legal considerations to business objectives.
• Ability to anticipate legal risks as well as utilize excellent judgment and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies and procedures.
• Ability to apply creative solutions.
• Knowledge of retail industry standards and practices preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in a business environment required. 
• Or, a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• Prior experience in a law firm, corporate legal department and/or in-house legal counsel experience preferred.
• Overall broad knowledge of litigation, labor and employment law, contract law and/or commercial disputes required.
• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school; licensed to practice in Illinois (or immediate ability to become licensed) required.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an office environment where a computer, telephone and other office equipment are used as needed to perform duties.
• Regularly required to sit, reach, grasp, stand and move from one area to another.
• Constantly and repeatedly use keyboard/mouse.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, bend, lift and move up to 25 lbs.

Travel:

• Domestic travel required.
• Up to 10%.

ALDI offers competitive wages and benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan
• Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• PerkSpot National Discount Program

In addition, eligible employees are offered:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous Vacation Time & 7 Paid Holidays
• Up to 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave at 100% of pay
• Up to 2 Weeks Paid Caregiver Leave at 100% of pay
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Click here to learn more about the benefits ALDI has to offer

ALDI is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), or any other protected characteristic. Employment may be contingent upon ALDI's receipt of an acceptable and job-related drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.