Vice President II Deputy General Counsel

We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet. 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.  
 
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the SVP & General Counsel, the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel (DGC) will be a key member of the Law and Business Environment (LBE) leadership team and will work closely with the General Counsel to provide legal and strategic advice to the business.  The DGC will have primary responsibility for overseeing the newly created Centers of Expertise (COE) within the LBE department, including Transactional, IP, Technology, Litigation, and Labor & Employment.  The DGC will manage the attorneys who will lead the COEs and have overall supervision of the substantive legal areas led by the COEs.  The DGC will also engage with the leaders of other functions within the team and throughout the business to advise on strategic topics including risk, compliance, and governance.  In addition, the DGC will have initial responsibility to lead the Litigation COE and is expected to eventually supervise one or more other in-house litigation attorney(s) who will manage all litigation and disputes for the Company. 

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions & Percentage of Time)

• Drive comprehensive strategy for COEs and manage, mentor, and guide attorneys leading COEs - 30%
• Provide legal advice on broad range or issues, influence strategic decision-making, and support LBE's goals and initiatives - 30%
• Advise the General Counsel and senior management on litigation matters - 30%
• Work with Legal Operations function to drive process improvements relevant to COEs - 10%

 

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to lead and grow high performing teams
• Ability to manage outside counsel
• Ability to lead strategy and daily work (initially) for litigation matters in the areas of commercial, product, labor & employment, and IP litigation
• Superior analytics skills and business judgement
• Strong verbal communication and negotiation skills 
• Positive, team-oriented and collaborative attitude 
• Juris Doctor Graduate Degree from an accredited law school 
• 12 years or more experience 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Litigation Experience
• In-house counsel experience; Governance 

 

Physical Requirements

• Light work

Travel Requirements

• 1-20%

Other

Job description is not reflective of all duties.  Other duties may be required.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities:  As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000.  Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

 

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