About the Role:
As an Attorney in Baird's Legal Department, you'll provide practical legal counsel and transactional support to business leaders and functional partners, primarily on vendor contracting, real estate and related commercial matters. You'll independently handle routine and defined assignments, with guidance and review based on each matter's complexity, risk and significance. As your experience and business knowledge grow, you'll have opportunities to cross-train and support securities, regulatory, disclosure and operational matters.
This full-time, hybrid role is based in Milwaukee, WI or Louisville, KY, with two days per week in the office and additional in-person attendance as client and business needs require. Attorneys based in Louisville may occasionally travel to Milwaukee based on department and firm needs and their responsibilities.
The Impact You'll Make:
- Negotiate, draft and review vendor agreements and other commercial contracts in partnership with business leaders and functional stakeholders
- Advise internal partners on contractual terms, legal risk and practical approaches to resolving routine-to-moderately complex commercial matters
- Support real estate leases and related legal matters as assigned
- Cross-train with attorneys across the Legal Department to develop knowledge of Baird's businesses and legal needs
- Conduct legal research and analysis and translate findings into concise, actionable guidance
- Partner on projects involving new regulations, business initiatives, products or process changes within assigned areas
- Assist with securities, regulatory, disclosure, operational and other legal matters based on department priorities and your developing capabilities.
- Collaborate with attorneys and cross-functional partners, contribute to shared priorities and expand team capacity
- Learn and use approved legal technology and artificial intelligence tools thoughtfully and effectively, protecting confidential information and applying independent legal judgment to outputs
- Develop a broad understanding of Baird's businesses and operations and the legal and regulatory environment in which the firm operates
What You'll Bring to Baird:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Rigorous law school coursework and strong academic achievement, such as graduation in the top 25% of your class, law review membership or honors, awards or similar recognition, preferred
- At least one year of relevant legal experience in a law firm, in-house legal department or regulatory organization. Experience with commercial contracts, corporate or transactional matters, securities regulation and generative AI tools preferred
- Active admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar and the ability to satisfy applicable practice requirements for the role
- Working knowledge of contract principles, legal research methods and the application of legal analysis to business matters. Familiarity with commercial transactions, real estate leases, and investment advisory, broker-dealer and securities regulation preferred
- Strong legal research, analysis, drafting, contract review and negotiation skills, along with strong written and verbal communication, organization and relationship-building skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with legal technology and generative AI tools preferred
- Sound legal judgment and the ability to learn new subject matter quickly, manage competing priorities and deadlines, and develop practical solutions aligned with business goals
- Ability to work independently on day-to-day assignments, with appropriate escalation and moderate guidance on new or more complex matters, and collaborate across teams. Work may be reviewed at key points based on risk and significance
- Ability to explain legal requirements and negotiate terms with business leaders, external counterparties and attorneys while preserving productive relationships.
- Ability to use approved AI tools responsibly, validate outputs, protect confidential information and maintain independent legal judgment
- Ability and interest in supporting multiple areas of the firm and its legal needs through cross-training and progressively broader assignments
Compensation and Benefits:
- Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or firm profitability
- You'll have the opportunity to advance your career while enjoying our comprehensive benefits designed for your life, career and future
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Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.