Job Description
Our client, a global leader in the aviation industry, is seeking an In-House Legal Counsel, Litigation to provide strategic legal guidance on product liability and commercial litigation matters. The Legal Counsel will actively manage litigation matters, including selecting and overseeing outside counsel, handling eDiscovery, insurance coordination, and partnering with business leaders to align legal strategies with company goals. This fully on-site role, based in Wichita, Kansas, will ensure regulatory compliance (FAA, NTSB, international), and support risk management in aviation-related legal issues. The ideal candidate will bring significant legal experience, including several years in product liability and commercial litigation, ideally with aviation or manufacturing exposure. Strong courtroom experience, excellent communication skills, and Kansas bar eligibility are essential. Travel may be required on a limited domestic and international basis.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Collaborate with company leadership to shape internal protocols and guidance on aviation and general product safety, as well as compliance with FAA, NTSB, and international aviation regulations
- Engage directly with internal business teams to assess potential legal exposure in pre-litigation matters, claims, and disputes
- Lead and advise on litigation strategy, with emphasis on aviation product liability and broader product-related litigation both within the U.S. and internationally. Duties include selecting and managing trial counsel, overseeing eDiscovery efforts, coordinating with internal stakeholders and outside counsel, monitoring insurance carrier involvement, and collaborating with risk and finance teams to control exposure and costs
- Counsel internal partners on legal obligations across various issues, including pre-litigation, referencing legal precedent and internal policies
- Support and manage all phases of litigation, including cases before courts and administrative bodies
- Contribute to additional legal tasks and initiatives, such as compliance education and in-house legal programming
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE- Juris Doctor degree from a law school accredited by the ABA
- Must hold Kansas bar membership or meet the criteria under Rule 721 for corporate counsel licensing
- Significant years of legal practice, including several years dedicated to handling commercial litigation and product liability, preferably in a law firm or in-house setting
- Must have hands-on trial involvement in both state and federal jurisdictions
- Prior aviation background or piloting experience is considered an asset
KEY QUALIFICATIONS- Builds trust and credibility across the organization and consistently delivers high-caliber results with professionalism and integrity
- Exceptional people skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and levels, maintain diplomacy, and encourage a cooperative work environment
- Strategic mindset with strong business awareness and the ability to troubleshoot legal challenges effectively
- Excellent written and spoken communication abilities, capable of conveying nuanced legal advice with clarity
- Capable of handling a varied workload independently and balancing competing priorities
- Positive and communicative team contributor who is open-minded and supportive
- Strong internal drive and commitment to delivering work of the highest standard
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed, though infrequently
Expected salary for this role is $158,000 - $317,000, commensurate with experience, training, skills, qualifications, and other market factors.
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