Associate General Counsel

Harbor is a high-growth, private equity-backed consulting and technology services firm, formed from the merger of nine specialized consulting and technology businesses. Leveraging the unique strengths of these entities, as we enter our second year, the company is building an integrated and scalable organization dedicated to delivering world-class technology solutions and consulting services. As part of this growth, the firm is establishing an Associate General Counsel role at the VP level to shape and oversee its risk and legal functions.  

The Associate General Counsel will serve as a key legal advisor and strategic partner within a dynamic and rapidly growing global professional services firm, which is expanding through both organic growth and acquisitions. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will oversee legal matters related to contracts, risk management, employee relations, cybersecurity, information security, and M&A activities. This position requires a proactive, business-oriented attorney with robust cross-border experience in contract negotiation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and managing legal aspects of acquisitions, particularly in collaboration with outside counsel, corporate development/finance team members and investors or other third parties.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Contract Management:

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including client contracts, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other commercial transactions. 
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure contract terms align with the firm’s business objectives and risk appetite. 
• Implement efficient contract review and approval processes, ensuring prompt handling of agreements across all business functions. 

Employee Relations and Employment Risk:

• Advise HR and management on employee relations issues, including performance management, workplace investigations, and compliance with labor laws across multiple jurisdictions. 
• Provide legal guidance on employee-related disputes, claims, and litigation, collaborating with external counsel as needed. 
• Stay informed on evolving employment regulations and ensure the firm’s compliance across diverse geographical locations. 

Risk Management and Insurance:

• Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with the firm’s operations, client engagements, and growth strategies. 
• Oversee and maintain the firm’s insurance portfolio, including professional liability, general liability, and cybersecurity policies, ensuring comprehensive and appropriate coverage. 
• Develop and promote risk mitigation strategies, policies, and best practices to support the firm’s growth and operational goals. 

Cybersecurity and Information Security:

• Provide guidance on cybersecurity, data protection, and information security legal matters, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations globally. 
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to support robust policies for data governance, incident response, and data security. 
• Advise on legal aspects of data breaches, including breach notification requirements and potential liability issues. 

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A):

• Act as an additional legal and strategic advisor on M&A activities, including due diligence, deal structuring, and contract negotiation. 
• Partner with cross-functional teams and work closely with outside counsel to assess legal risks, draft acquisition agreements, and structure deals that support the firm’s strategic objectives. 
• Ensure smooth post-acquisition integration, addressing legal and regulatory compliance issues. 

General Legal Support and Compliance:

• Provide broad-based legal guidance across corporate matters, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. 
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures to reduce risk exposure and ensure legal compliance as the firm scales. 
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations, updating the CEO and relevant teams to ensure compliance and responsiveness to new legal challenges. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar; multi-jurisdictional admission is a plus. Illinois bar accreditation strongly preferred. 
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant legal experience, with a background in law firm and in-house counsel roles preferred. Strong experience in M&A, contracts, risk management, and cybersecurity; prior work in consulting, professional services, or technology sectors is highly desirable.  Multinational legal experience.  Experience working with private equity firms is a plus. Track record of supporting the deployment of technology to improve processes and of managing a team.  
• Skills: Proficient in contract negotiation and drafting, M&A transactions, and managing risk and insurance; solid knowledge of employment law and data protection regulations. 
• Attributes: Exceptional judgment, high integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with global teams and external partners. Excellent reputation. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. 
• Other Requirements: Willingness to travel as needed to support business operations and acquisition activities. The amount of travel will be dependent on location of candidate.