Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a strategic and business-oriented Chief Legal Officer (CLO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial company headquartered in Houston, Texas. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key advisor to the Board of Directors and the senior management team. The successful candidate will be a seasoned legal professional with a proven track record of navigating complex legal landscapes within a fast-paced, growth-focused environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the legal and compliance framework of a dynamic organization poised for significant expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
As the CLO, you will be responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the company, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, compliance, commercial contracts, intellectual property, and employment law. You will be more than just a legal expert; you will be a strategic business partner, providing insightful counsel that balances legal risk with commercial objectives. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional business acumen, a hands-on approach, and the ability to thrive in a PE-backed culture that values speed, agility, and results. You will be instrumental in building a scalable legal function that supports the company’s ambitious growth trajectory while upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This role demands a leader who can effectively manage both internal resources and external counsel to provide efficient and expert legal support across all facets of the business.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
The Chief Legal Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, acting as the primary legal advisor for the entire organization. Key duties include:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Serve as a core member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal guidance on all significant business transactions, risk management, and corporate strategy. Advise the CEO and Board on critical legal and regulatory matters that could impact the company’s operations and long-term success.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including managing board and committee meetings, preparing minutes, maintaining corporate records, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Develop, implement, and manage a robust corporate compliance program, including policies and training on anti-bribery, ethics, data privacy, and industry-specific regulations.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the legal aspects of all M&A activities, from initial due diligence and structuring through negotiation, documentation, and closing. Manage post-acquisition integration of legal and compliance functions to ensure a seamless transition and value realization. Work closely with the corporate development team and private equity sponsors on deal execution.
Commercial Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of complex commercial agreements, including major customer contracts, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, supplier and vendor agreements, licensing agreements, and real estate leases. Develop and standardize contract templates and processes to improve efficiency and mitigate risk.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes involving the company. Develop and execute effective litigation strategies, manage outside counsel, and control legal spend. Proactively identify potential areas of litigation risk and implement preventative measures.
Labor & Employment
Provide expert counsel to the Human Resources department on all labor and employment matters, including executive compensation, employee relations, recruiting, termination, discrimination and harassment claims, and compliance with federal and state employment laws.
Intellectual Property Management
Develop and implement strategies to protect the company’s valuable intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Manage the IP portfolio and oversee any related litigation or disputes.
Regulatory & Environmental Affairs
Ensure the company’s compliance with all applicable industry-specific regulations, particularly those related to the industrial sector. Oversee legal aspects of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance, working closely with operations to manage risk and ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal laws.
Risk Management
Identify, evaluate, and mitigate legal and business risks across the organization. Oversee the company’s insurance programs and work with other departments to ensure comprehensive risk coverage and management.
Management of Legal Function
Build, manage, and mentor the in-house legal team. Develop and manage the legal department’s budget and oversee the selection, retention, and management of all outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
The ideal candidate will be a distinguished legal professional with extensive experience and a demonstrated ability to perform as a strategic business partner. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a top-tier, American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school is required. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with the ability to become licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in Texas.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive legal experience. This must include a combination of training at a premier law firm and significant in-house experience, preferably as a General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or a similar senior legal role.
Industry & Environment Experience
Direct experience within an industrial, manufacturing, energy, or related sector is strongly preferred. Crucially, candidates must have substantial experience working within a private equity-backed company, demonstrating a clear understanding of the pace, demands, and value-creation focus of a PE ownership structure.
M&A Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience leading the legal aspects of multiple M&A transactions is mandatory. The candidate must be adept at managing all stages of the deal lifecycle.
Broad Legal Acumen
Demonstrated expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines, including corporate law, corporate governance, complex commercial contracting, litigation management, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead and develop a legal team. A track record of successfully managing outside counsel and controlling legal budgets. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the Board of Directors to front-line employees.
Business Acumen
A strong commercial and strategic mindset. The ability to quickly understand the business’s operational drivers and provide pragmatic, solution-oriented legal advice that advances business objectives while mitigating risk.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and judgment. A high-energy, proactive, and hands-on leader who is comfortable in a lean and fast-moving environment. Excellent communication (written and verbal) and negotiation skills are essential. Must be based in or willing to relocate to Houston, TX.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus opportunity tied to both individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity)
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation tied to the success of the private equity investment.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holiday policy to support work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Support for continuing legal education (CLE) and other professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential Chief Legal Officer opportunity. To be considered for this critical leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. For more information about our expertise in placing top legal talent, please visit our Legal Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
