Associate General Counsel - Litigation

At Textron Systems, we are Pushing Past Possible. We defend, protect and support our customers around the world through courageous thinking and continuous evolution. We strive to be the customer’s greatest ally because they put their lives on the line every day – and we never forget what we owe them.This is a great opportunity to join a cutting-edge, global, multi-industry company that is a leader in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors. We are looking for a motivated attorney with 7 years of aerospace or automotive product liability experience who is interested in taking the next step in their career. In this position, you will be a key legal partner to our Lycoming Engines business, with responsibilities covering litigation on a wide range of matters. This role is designed for the mid-level litigation attorney looking to transition from law firm life to a more independent role as an in-house litigator and seeking a broader range of legal and business experience.As part of the Textron Systems Legal Team, you will be part of a dedicated and diverse team of in-house attorneys and professionals. You will work closely with business operations to mitigate risk and anticipate and favorably resolve claims and litigation, including complex commercial and contract matters, product liability, and toxic tort matters. In this position, you will manage litigation as assigned, including pre-litigation counseling, risk mitigation, and related administrative work on the company’s behalf, working closely with numerous business leaders and personnel to support the success or business.As our Associate General Counsel, you will:· Direct and perform in-house litigation management functions, with a focus on aviation product liability defense. Tasks include assessing claims and defenses, developing case strategy with outside counsel; directing and managing discovery (including eDiscovery and Litigation Hold procedures); identifying witnesses and assisting in witness preparation; developing demonstrative evidence; maintaining communications with key stakeholders (including Company business leaders); notifying company insurers to ensure insurance coverage; working with insurance adjusters to ensure appropriate handling of the claims; and working with finance to manage costs and exposure.· Critically identify, retain, and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective service.· Proactively engage with business management and counterparts in engineering, marketing, sales, finance, and IT to identify legal risks and issues raised in pre-litigation disputes or other claim-related matters and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.· Supervise Textron Systems aviation product liability program, including working with an established group of dedicated law firms.· Participate in and support other legal matters and activities as requested, including but not limited to providing legal training and working with stakeholders to investigate issues of compliance with laws and company policies.· Work closely with the Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Textron Inc., to ensure consistent and transparent reporting of litigation risk and status, develop litigation strategy, and work toward successful and approved resolution of litigation matters.The education and experience required for success in this role include:· J.D. and membership in good standing with a U.S. State bar.· 5 years of legal experience involving product liability experience while working in a law firms or corporate legal department.· Experience working within the aerospace and defense industry or with government contractors preferred.Here are the skills you will need to bring to the role:· Strong writing skills and experience drafting/editing legal briefs.· Working knowledge of Federal and state rules of civil procedure and evidence· Knowledge of and experience applying discovery rules and procedures, including drafting discovery responses and privilege logs· Hands-on experience with eDiscovery processes, including best practices in the use of technology, ESI protocols, and workflows· Ability to draft and/or edit discovery responses prepared by outside counsel· Ability to distill complex technical, regulatory, and factual issues into easy-to-understand themes and summaries· Enthusiasm about records-keeping practices, automation, and workflows for managing information in a large corporate setting· Experience interviewing witnesses, preparing individuals for deposition, and taking and defending depositions; trial experience a plus· Prior experience with claim resolution, including mediation and drafting of settlement agreements/releases· Sound legal judgment, strategic thinking, and business acumen· Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly analyze emergent problems, propose a course of action, and manage decision-making as facts develop· Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills, including good negotiation abilities· Proactive approach to identifying potential issues and advising stakeholders· Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and communicate transparently with the team· Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments simultaneouslyHere are some other things you should know:· You need to be willing to travel up to 25% of the time.· This position is based in Hunt Valley, MD and working from the office is expected.· Positions is FLSA exempt.· The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.· Salary is competitive and includes annual incentive compensation and other significant benefits.· You should be open to future career development opportunities within Textron, including at other business unit locations.