Legal Counsel

Title: Sr. Legal Counsel

Pioneer the next generation of innovation. Join us and you’ll develop your skills and expertise to the very highest levels, working in an international environment for a company known the world over for its brilliance.

Key Accountabilities: 

Commercial Contracting Expertise

• Lead a broad range of international and domestic commercial contracting activities supporting the sale and service of company products.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements.
• Support procurement activities with the drafting, review and negotiation of contracts for both direct and indirect procurement activities, based on both vendor/service provider templates and company standard templates.
• Provide strategic contract interpretation and advisory support, including risk assessments and analysis of terms, conditions, and delivery obligations under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Incoterms.
• Ensure all agreements comply with applicable legal requirements and internal governance standards, advising internal negotiators throughout the contracting process.

Government Contracting & Compliance

• Advise internal stakeholders on foreign and domestic government contracting matters.
• Deliver cradle‑to‑grave support for government contracts, including compliance with FAR/DFARS, supply chain requirements, and small‑business subcontracting obligations.
• Guide the business through regulatory expectations unique to government procurement environments.

Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management

• Provide timely, accurate, and practical legal advice across a wide range of legal, regulatory, operational, and strategic issues.
• Monitor and interpret legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting the business.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and support the business in understanding and applying regulatory requirements.
• Proactively advise on emerging regulatory trends, corporate governance matters, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to knowledge management initiatives, including training, best‑practice development, and cross‑team knowledge sharing.
• Apply expertise in export controls and sanctions, including coordination with the U.S. Department of State and Department of Commerce to secure export authorizations.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Manage litigation and pre‑litigation matters, including commercial disputes arising from contracts.
• Oversee outside counsel, discovery processes, and all related litigation activities.
• Provide dispute‑management strategies that anticipate issues and reduce legal exposure.

Collaboration, Governance & Organizational Leadership

• Promote a strong culture of compliance aligned with the Rolls‑Royce Code of Conduct.
• Build and maintain cross‑functional relationships to ensure legal is integrated into key business decisions and governance processes.
• Collaborate closely with the Rolls‑Royce Power Systems AG General Counsel team, global Rolls‑Royce legal colleagues, and business partners across Germany, the UK, and other international locations.
• Support special projects and broader organizational initiatives as needed.

Basic Requirements: 

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time
• Juris Doctor and a minimum of 7 years of legal counsel experience with an in-house legal team, or 11 years of a combination of in-house experience and private practice experience with a global firm focusing on commercial contracting.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Michigan or within a state that shares reciprocity with the State of Michigan or otherwise permitted to practice law in Michigan exclusively within a corporation.
• Travel – domestic and international (10%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive commercial contracting experience, including contract drafting, review and commercial negotiations with third parties. Strong commercial awareness and broad-based focus on driving commercial and legal performance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with others in cross functional teams, but also independently.
• Experience managing outside counsel and overseeing litigation.
• Strong presentation skills
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational, planning and follow-up skills to meet critical deadlines quickly and reliably.
• Proficiency with SAP.
• Knowledge of off-road engine products, services and applications.
• Working familiarity with intellectual property issues.

Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics.

At Rolls-Royce, we are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We foster a welcoming and innovative work environment that invests in you, giving you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference. 

Legal Counsel13 Apr 2026; 00:04$125,840 - $204,490-AnnuallyNovi, MI

Benefits

Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.