About the Role
This is a forever home and a one-of-a-kind
Our client is seeking a sharp, driven, and self-motivated Attorney to join our leadership team. This is a pivotal role for a legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and is excited to contribute to the continued growth and operational excellence of a multi-brand quick-service restaurant franchisee.
As a fully integrated organization, we oversee all aspects of our business—including real estate development, HR, compliance, and supply chain—allowing us to maintain consistent performance and high operational standards. Our people-first culture and growth mindset drive innovation, accountability, and long-term success.
Our client offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment where leaders are empowered to make a broad impact across legal, business, and strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong judgment, maturity, and the ability to manage a wide variety of legal matters—ranging from contracts and compliance to employment and real estate issues. A background in a law firm is required; AmLaw or in-house experience is highly valued but not mandatory. What matters most is a well-rounded, business-oriented mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for working closely with leadership to support a dynamic, high-performing organization.
This is not just a legal position—it’s an opportunity to be a trusted advisor to senior executives who are deeply committed to the company’s success. The role is best suited for an attorney who is established in their career, appreciates work-life balance, and wants to be part of a collaborative, in-office culture. While remote capabilities are in place, our team thrives on in-person connection and operates onsite five days a week—with flexibility for family needs and life’s unexpected moments.
We’ve recently invested $30 million into a state-of-the-art headquarters and we’re building a team that matches that level of commitment and vision. If you “get it,” and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves with an exceptional group of professionals, we want to hear from you.
Requirements & Preferred Experience • High-caliber experience in real estate and finance is essential—this is the core focus of the legal function at Summerwood. • Strong transactional background is highly desirable; experience handling contracts, franchise agreements, leases, and vendor negotiations is a plus. • Litigation exposure—particularly managing outside counsel and overseeing strategy—is beneficial, though not required. • Ability to navigate a broad scope of legal issues across employment, compliance, operations, corporate governance, and franchise law. • Must demonstrate versatility and a proactive, problem-solving mindset; our legal team touches every area of the business. • Prior law firm experience is required; AmLaw or in-house experience is a strong advantage but not mandatory. • Comfortable working independently within a small, high-performing legal team while also partnering closely with leadership and external counsel. • A mature, business-savvy perspective and strong interpersonal skills are necessary to integrate effectively with the executive team and company culture.
Compensation & Growth
This role offers competitive compensation and significant growth potential within the legal team. While there may be future opportunity to grow into a General Counsel position, the immediate need is for a trusted second-in-command—someone who thrives in a supporting leadership role, works collaboratively with the current General Counsel, and is focused on contributing to the broader success of the organization rather than pursuing a title in the near term.
Compensation Range:
$275k to $350k based on experience.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k match and PTO.
***Relo Assistatnce Authorized***
Requirements
High-caliber experience in real estate and finance is essential—this is the core focus of the legal function at Summerwood.
Strong transactional background is highly desirable; experience handling contracts, franchise agreements, leases, and vendor negotiations is a plus.
Litigation exposure—particularly managing outside counsel and overseeing strategy—is beneficial, though not required.
Ability to navigate a broad scope of legal issues across employment, compliance, operations, corporate governance, and franchise law.
Must demonstrate versatility and a proactive, problem-solving mindset; our legal team touches every area of the business.
Prior law firm experience is required; AmLaw or in-house experience is a strong advantage but not mandatory.
Comfortable working independently within a small, high-performing legal team while also partnering closely with leadership and external counsel.
A mature, business-savvy perspective and strong interpersonal skills are necessary to integrate effectively with the executive team and company culture.
About the Company