Senior Paralegal

Job Description:

Position Overview:

The Senior Paralegal is an integral part of our corporate legal department. The Sr. Paralegal is responsible for preparing and processing franchise agreements, ancillary franchise documents, (including assistance with Franchise Disclosure Document), tracking franchise transactions for FDD purposes, maintaining legal files, legal billing and other tasks across all of Empower’s 10 Brands.

Core Responsibilities:

• Draft and administer franchise agreements to franchisees, assist with renewals, resales, change of ownership and related franchise documents.
• Assist in preparing and processing legal documents such as default notices, repayment agreements and amendments for supervising lawyers and/or paralegals.
• Communicate and provide other departments with information regarding franchise agreement information.
• Work closely with brand presidents and the franchise development team to create and maintain charts and/or spreadsheets which track franchise transactions (transfers, sales, and terminations).
• Assist in-house legal team and outside counsel with yearly Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) renewals for 10 brands.
• Work with General Counsel on legal billing and invoice submissions.
• Assist in refining processes and documentation necessary to support consistent use of internal franchise documentation policies.
• Maintain all legal documentation, electronic files and databases, to ensure current and accurate information is available.
• Assist with researching new licenses and permits where required and maintains current licenses active, where necessary.
• Prepare correspondence on behalf of the legal department to assist with franchise matters, operations, or litigation matters.
• Assist with the management of franchise-related litigation, including responding to discovery requests.
• Handle special projects and any other duties that may be assigned.
• Build and foster reliable and trustworthy relationships within the organization.

Critical Skills & Attributes:

• Extremely detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and precision.
• Strong drafting, proofreading, and research skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Experience with electronic signature platforms, (e.g., DocuSign) and ability to easily adapt to new technologies based on business needs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and with a proven ability to meet deadlines effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Skilled in Microsoft Suite applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• 7+ years of transactional paralegal experience (franchising experience is required).