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Total Wine & More · 1 day ago

Associate General Counsel

Bethesda, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$180K/yr - $235K/yr

10+ years exp

Total Wine & More is the country's largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer, and spirits, and they are seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide legal advice and guidance across various subject areas. The role involves ensuring compliance with laws, managing outside counsel, and advising the executive team on legal risks and governance matters.

E-CommerceFood and BeverageWine And Spirits

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing Total Wine & More’s operations across 30 states and District of Columbia, proactively identifying risk areas and implementing mitigation strategies

Partner with the General Counsel, Government Affairs team, and state agencies/legislatures to shape regulatory strategy and support legislative engagement

Monitor and interpret regulatory changes in the alcoholic beverage industry, advising leadership on implications and strategic responses

Manage outside counsel relationships, overseeing litigation, regulatory matters, and contract negotiations to ensure alignment with business goals and cost efficiency

Advise the executive team, Board of Directors, and senior leaders on legal risks, policy changes, and governance matters that impact business operations and strategic initiatives

Counsel business unit leaders—including HR, Store Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Store Development—on legal requirements, best practices, and strategies to advance company objectives

Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations to guide internal decision-making and ensure consistent application across departments and support the development of internal policies and compliance programs that reinforce ethical standards and regulatory adherence

Review and negotiate complex contracts, including vendor agreements and real estate transactions, ensuring legal soundness and alignment with business priorities

Qualification

Juris Doctor (JD)10+ years legal experienceEmployment law expertiseLegal research skillsContract negotiationCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsWork independentlyThrive in fast-paced environment

Required

Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent years of experience

Juris Doctor (JD) required

Superior written and oral communication skills, and strong legal reasoning skills are required

Strong business communication skills

Ability to work both independently and with others

Ability to thrive in a changing, fast-paced environment

Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations

Strong legal research, writing and editing skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Bar Admission Active and in good standing with bar admission in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia

Preferred

10+ years experience working as a lawyer in a private commercial law firm or hybrid of that law firm experience and in-house counsel in a corporate legal department preferred

Prior legal experience in employment/labor law litigation, commercial agreements and litigation, real estate lease negotiations, and/or licensing