Corporate Paralegal

Position Summary

The Corporate Paralegal reports to the Sr. Director, Finance and Administration and serves as a key partner in supporting the Company's legal, franchise administration, compliance, and corporate governance activities. This role leads the Franchise Administration team and helps ensure franchise, corporate, and contractual matters are managed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with Company objectives.

Working closely with executive leadership, Franchise Partners, outside counsel, and internal departments, the Corporate Paralegal provides guidance on a variety of legal and business matters, including franchise administration, contract management, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate recordkeeping. This position also contributes to departmental planning, budgeting, and process improvement initiatives that support the Company's continued growth and success.

This position is based at the A&W Restaurant Support Center, corporate headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Franchise Administration & Compliance

• Lead and support franchise transactions, including new franchise agreements, renewals, transfers, ownership changes, collections matters, defaults, and terminations.
• Draft, organize, and maintain franchise-related documents, notices, correspondence, and agreements.
• Oversee franchise record retention practices and help ensure documents are accurate, accessible, and properly maintained within Company systems.
• Supervise and support the Franchise Administrator, providing guidance and oversight on daily activities and reporting.
• Partner with internal teams to maintain positive, professional relationships with Franchise Partners and support the consistent administration of franchise agreements.
• Monitor federal and state franchise laws and regulations and communicate developments that may affect business operations.
• Provide practical recommendations and support the implementation of processes needed to maintain compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements.
• Review monthly franchise administration reports for accuracy and completeness.

Contract Administration & Corporate Governance

• Review, draft, and coordinate a variety of contracts and agreements for the Company and affiliated entities.
• Maintain contract records within the Company's contract management system and monitor key renewal, expiration, and notice dates.
• Assist department leaders with contract-related questions and administrative matters.
• Prepare, file, and maintain business entity documents and corporate records for the Company and affiliated entities.
• Serve as the primary liaison with registered agents and assist with ongoing corporate filing requirements.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from local, state, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Intellectual Property Management

• Coordinate the administration of the Company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks and related filings.
• Partner with outside counsel to support timely registrations, renewals, maintenance filings, and protection of Company intellectual property assets.
• Maintain accurate records related to intellectual property matters and key filing deadlines.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Support the Company's risk management efforts by assisting with insurance claims, policy administration, and related documentation.
• Work closely with insurance brokers and service providers during policy renewals and coverage reviews.
• Help identify and address legal and compliance considerations that could impact business operations.

Legal Support & Strategic Partnership

• Assist with the preparation of the annual Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and related state and federal filings.
• Coordinate information and input from Franchise Partners, outside counsel, and internal stakeholders to support legal and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance and support regarding franchise-related legislation, joint employer considerations, and other legal developments impacting franchisors.
• Assist leadership in the interpretation and administration of agreements involving the National A&W Franchisee Association and other key business relationships.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives that contribute to Company goals and operational improvements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Franchise Partners, outside counsel, vendors, and Team Members.

Qualifications & Competencies

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of contract law, contract administration, and corporate governance practices.
• Working knowledge of franchise regulations and general business laws affecting private companies.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply legal and regulatory requirements in a practical business setting.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust and credibility across the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Leadership Responsibilities

This position provides leadership and oversight for the Franchise Administration team, including coaching, development, workload management, and performance support.

Physical Requirements This position is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting and computer work. Occasional filing and document management activities may require lifting files, opening filing cabinets, bending, or using a step stool or ladder. As part of A&W's commitment to supporting restaurant operations, corporate Team Members are expected to work in Company-owned restaurants at least four times per year. These shifts may last between 4 and 9 hours and involve standing, cleaning, and working in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Work Schedule This is a full-time position based in Lexington, Kentucky. A&W offers a hybrid work schedule. Typical work hours fall between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evening or weekend events as business needs require. Work schedules are subject to supervisor and Company approval. Travel Occasional travel of approximately 10% may be required for continuing education, industry conferences, training opportunities, and other business-related events.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive paralegal experience, including at least 3 years in a corporate or business environment.
• Experience leading, coaching, or developing a team.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field.
• Experience managing trademark portfolios and intellectual property filings.
• Franchise industry experience preferred.
• Experience working with contract management systems and corporate governance records.

Equal Opportunity Employer A&W Restaurants, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and Team Members. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, tobacco smoking status, or any other status protected by applicable law. A&W Restaurants, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity.

Additional Information This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve.

Classification: Exempt