Lead Counsel, Transactions – Market Compliance

Ford Motor Company

Lead Counsel advising Ford Motor Company’s automotive businesses on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex supply-chain transactions. Providing practical legal guidance on global deals, compliance, and execution strategy.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeRemote • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial transactions, with a strong focus on legal risk management and business objectives. Proficient in drafting and negotiating transaction agreements while providing practical legal advice to business clients and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)Mergers And AcquisitionsNegotiation SkillsLegal Risk ManagementGlobal Supply Chain Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Drafting Transaction AgreementsNegotiating Complex TransactionsAnalytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsBusiness Judgment

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsCollaborative Team PlayerSound Judgment

Tools & Technologies

Legal TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceAutomation

Certifications & Qualifications

Active U.S. State Bar Membership

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveMobilityTechnologyManufacturingEnergy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support and, where appropriate, lead legal workstreams on domestic and international mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, minority investments, collaborations, and joint ventures from diligence and negotiation through signing, closing, and post-closing integration
Draft, review, and negotiate transaction agreements and related documents
Provide legal support for Ford’s global supply chain, including initial sourcing, supplier disputes, template and process improvements, and financially distressed supplier matters
Negotiate directly with counterparties, suppliers, and joint venture partners in the United States and internationally
Help business teams balance legal risk with commercial objectives by identifying practical, compliant, and risk-calibrated paths to execution
Advise business clients and support senior attorneys in counseling management on transaction risk, deal alternatives, governance considerations, and execution strategy
Prepare clear recommendations and leadership briefing materials
Identify responsible opportunities to use artificial intelligence, automation, and legal technology while preserving confidentiality, privilege, compliance, and human oversight
Collaborate with legal colleagues, paralegals, and other professionals to deliver coordinated legal support
Coordinate with cross-functional legal teams around the world on transaction, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters
Help manage outside counsel workstreams, including scope, staffing, budgets, timelines, and work product quality
Contribute to templates, playbooks, and precedent libraries that improve transaction execution

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active member in good standing of at least one U.S. State Bar, with the ability to register as in-house counsel if relocating
At least 5 years of relevant experience in U.S. and global mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial transactions
Experience advising on complex commercial arrangements involving global supply chains, including production, manufacturing, services, or technology-related transactions
Demonstrated experience negotiating and closing transactions with counterparties located outside the United States
Experience providing practical legal advice to business clients and supporting senior attorneys on significant legal and commercial matters
Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable, and business-friendly advice
Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and maturity to build trust with business clients, legal colleagues, and external stakeholders
Collaborative team player
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as business necessities require
Preferred: Experience supporting transactions or legal matters in automotive, mobility, technology, manufacturing, energy, or advanced manufacturing sectors
Preferred: Combination of rigorous major law firm training and in-house corporate legal experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work arrangement / home-based work in Michigan
Full-time salaried position
Opportunity to support enterprise priorities in electrification, software and connectivity, energy, autonomy, and government or defense-related programs
Opportunities to use artificial intelligence, automation, and legal technology in legal service delivery