Counsel, Litigation - Stamford, CT, United States - Kuraray America, Inc.

Description

While we have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our HQ has been in the United States since 2008, for the first time ever we are entering the U.Following the acquisition of Swedish Match in 2022 and our acquisition of businesses comprising Vectura Fertin Pharma in 2021, as well as our forthcoming 2024 take back of our IQOS business from our current distributor, we are significantly expanding our operations in the United States.

This role is for a Counsel in PMI's Litigation and Investigations Group, which is part of PMI's Legal, Ethics & Compliance ("LEC") Department.

PMI's Litigation and Investigations Group is responsible for managing the defense of product liability litigation on behalf of Philip Morris International Inc.

and its affiliates (PMI) globally, managing other litigation of company-wide significance, leading and conducting internal investigations, and providing litigation support services.

The Counsel – Litigation will require a seasoned legal professional with excellent judgment and a demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation and to provide guidance to business and functional leaders across the organization on strategies for mitigating legal risk.

The role-holder will report to the Assistant General Counsel – Litigation, who is based in Stamford, CT.

Helps oversee and manage PMI's product liability and regulatory litigation caseload and other cases of company-wide significance.

Develops and executes with other members of PMI's Litigation & Investigations group PMI's litigation strategy, manages discovery obligations, manages outside counsel, determines proper case disposition, and monitors litigation budgets.

Evaluates and manages pre-litigation disputes arising from the use of PMI products.

Assists in the identification, selection, and management of outside counsel to assure legal services are rendered to PMI that are results-oriented, timely, competent, and cost efficient.

Prepares regular summaries and update memos and presentations on litigation activities.

Works with other functional groups in the LEC Department as needed that have expertise in the subject matter of the litigation.

Anticipates and mitigates potential legal problems within the organization as they pertain to special litigation matters and develops strategies to avoid costly litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.

Helps business partners understand the risks and consequences of a given situation and develops alternatives to manage identified risks.

Provides legal risk analysis of Company policies and initiatives.
Stays current with legal developments, best practices, and benchmarks in the relevant areas of law.
Mentors others in area of expertise and helps develop junior staff.
Acts as a team player and role model for the legal function, encouraging collaboration and standards of excellence.
Demonstrates strategic, innovative, creative and inquisitive frame of mind, with strong business acumen and judgment.
Demonstrates the detail orientation and the technical, planning and project management skills to ensure flawless execution.
Able to solve problems and offer creative solutions.
Makes well considered recommendations and business decisions based on facts and mastery of the legal and regulatory environment.
Demonstrates self-motivation and initiative to prioritize work and otherwise perform the job with minimal supervision.
Fosters internal and external relationships characterized by inclusion, credibility, respect, trust.
Finds appropriate platforms to disseminate subject matter expertise to colleagues in the organisation.
Must be able to handle company confidential information requiring the highest degree of attention to preserve confidentiality.
Strong organizational skills reflected by planning and communicating in a dynamic environment.

Juris Doctor and licensed to practice law in one or more states in the United States.

At least five years of concentrated litigation experience in industry or private practice which demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and applied understanding of area of expertise; both in house and major law firm experience preferred.

Solid working knowledge of litigation practice and procedures.
Previous experience with FMCG, life sciences or technology industry preferred.

Robust interpersonal, networking, public speaking, and writing skills, with the confidence and credibility to act quickly, communicate effectively with diplomacy and civility, and command respect of both internal and external audiences.

Ability to review and revise transactional documents in English at first-rate level.
Ability to travel as necessary.

Normal office environment for a mission driven, high impact team.

PMI operates a flexible work policy known as Smart Work which allows employees to work from home but requires at least two days per week in the office averaged over a month (excluding business trips, vacation leave and other authorized absences).