Come join our Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL) corporate team! We are a great place to work and offer many employee-friendly perks and benefits. GSL is the manager of the Goddard School franchise system that supports over 600 schools which delivers a high-quality, play-based learning program to families all over the United States. Our successful franchise business model supports franchisees through partnerships with teams of seasoned professionals who draw over 30 years of business, marketing, IT, franchise, finance, and education experience. Because of this, The Goddard School has grown into an institution that parents and families trust, reaching more than 80,000 students in 38 states – and growing.
This is a hybrid remote role: 3 days at our King of Prussia, HQ and 2 days remote.
Position Summary
Goddard Systems, LLC (“GSL”), manager of The Goddard School® franchise system, is looking for a Corporate Paralegal to join its Legal Department. This position will directly report to the Corporate Counsel and contribute significantly to GSL’s overall legal function.
The ideal candidate will be a high energy and detailed oriented individual who is a culture champion. They will be self-directed and able to easily adapt to multiple and changing priorities as well as a high volume of work sometimes under quick deadlines. The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills as well as drafting, analytical and office software skills.
Responsibilities
- Contract Review and Management
- Review franchisee’s lease documentation to confirm compliance with Goddard’s requirements, as well as facilitate the negotiation of amendments to real estate documents, as needed.
- Review franchisees’ operating agreements and asset purchase agreements to ensure compliance with GSL requirements.
- IP Support
- Maintain Goddard’s IP library
- Work collaboratively with business units to assist with IP filings
- Litigation support
- Assist with litigation management and litigation holds, including coordinating with assigned counsel to identify documents responsive to document requests and subpoenas
- Maintain reports related to litigation status
- Manage claims and reporting requirements to insurance carriers
- Franchisee and Corporate Compliance
- Draft compliance letters to franchise owners at the direction of counsel
- Assist with reporting requirements to Goddard’s executive committee, ownership group, and various stakeholders, as directed by counsel.
- Draft and/or modify form release and waivers, as directed by counsel.
- Draft communications and updates to franchisees and business units regarding legal developments related to franchise and corporate law, as directed by counsel.
- Conduct research on legal requirements related to proposed business initiatives, as directed by counsel.
- Support the Legal Department and business teams, as needed, on legal matters, special projects, project management, and document management; attend and participate in meetings as needed; other responsibilities may include assisting with drafting policies and procedures, trainings for business teams, and assisting the company to comply with all relevant laws, policies, and corporate compliance matters.
Experience and Competencies
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.
- High level of integrity and capable of handling confidential information in a professional and trustworthy manner.
- Excellent judgment, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
- Exceptional organizational and file management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and complete them under time constraints and under minimal supervision.
- Detail-oriented, commercially focused, and practical, with the ability to see the big picture.
- Excellent interpersonal, writing, proofreading, and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Systems, DocuSign, standard office software, legal research, and other software tools.
Paralegal Competencies
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in fast-pace and evolving work environments
- Self-starter who works well independently and with others and uses discretion and sound judgment
- Engaged, thoughtful and attentive to detail
- Strong communicator
Highly Desired
- Paralegal certificate preferred.
- Experience with contracts administration or management a plus.
- Prior in-house experience as a member of a legal department strongly preferred.
There will be periodic requirements to travel for in-person events, at the discretion of your manager or the requirement of the company.