Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a high-growth, private equity-backed services company in their exclusive search for a strategic and business-oriented Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Based in the vibrant business hub of Houston, TX, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to serve as a key business partner to the CEO, the executive team, and the Board of Directors. The CLO will be instrumental in navigating the company through its next phase of aggressive growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
This is not a traditional, back-office legal role. We are seeking a proactive and commercially-minded leader who can provide pragmatic legal counsel while balancing business objectives and risk. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, ideally within a private equity portfolio company. You will be responsible for building and scaling the legal function, providing guidance on all legal and regulatory matters, and playing a crucial role in the execution of the company’s strategic initiatives. You will be the principal legal advisor, responsible for the overall legal affairs of the organization, ensuring that the company operates with the highest level of integrity and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Your expertise will be critical in shaping the company’s risk management framework, corporate governance policies, and M&A playbook. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s trajectory and share in its success through a meaningful equity stake.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
The Chief Legal Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, acting as a true generalist with deep expertise in several key areas. Your duties will be dynamic and will evolve with the company’s growth. Key responsibilities include:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Serve as a core member of the senior executive team, providing strategic legal and business advice on all company matters. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, offering counsel on complex issues and critical decisions. Participate in the development and execution of the company’s long-term strategic plan.
Corporate Governance and Securities
Act as Corporate Secretary, managing all Board and committee meeting processes, including preparing agendas, minutes, and resolutions. Oversee the management of all corporate entities, ensuring good standing and compliance with jurisdictional requirements. Develop and implement best-in-class corporate governance policies and procedures appropriate for a PE-backed entity preparing for potential exit scenarios.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the legal execution of all M&A activities, from initial due diligence and structuring to negotiation of definitive agreements, closing, and post-merger integration. Work closely with the corporate development team, executive leadership, and PE sponsor to evaluate and execute strategic transactions. Manage external counsel effectively to ensure efficient and cost-effective deal execution.
Commercial Contracts
Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide variety of complex commercial agreements, including master service agreements, vendor contracts, technology licensing agreements, real estate leases, and partnership agreements. Develop and implement standardized contract templates and a streamlined contract management process to support the sales and operations teams.
Compliance and Risk Management
Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive, enterprise-wide compliance and ethics program. Identify potential areas of legal and regulatory risk and develop practical strategies for mitigation. Oversee compliance with all applicable laws, including data privacy (CCPA/CPRA, etc.), anti-bribery (FCPA), and industry-specific regulations. Develop and manage the company’s risk management framework, including its insurance programs.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes involving the company. Develop and execute effective legal strategies to resolve disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner. Supervise and manage outside litigation counsel, including budgeting and performance.
Labor & Employment
Provide expert counsel to the Human Resources department on a full range of employment law issues, including recruiting, hiring, performance management, terminations, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws. Oversee the development of employment policies and agreements.
Intellectual Property
Oversee the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Develop and implement strategies to protect the company’s valuable IP assets.
Legal Department Management
Build and lead the legal function, including the potential hiring and development of junior legal professionals and staff. Develop and manage the annual legal department budget. Select, retain, and manage all outside counsel and other external legal service providers, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective service.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a highly intelligent, motivated, and experienced legal professional with exceptional business acumen and judgment. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school is required. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (Texas Bar preferred).
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal experience, with a combination of training at a nationally recognized law firm and significant in-house experience. Prior experience as a General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or senior legal leader in a fast-paced, growth-oriented company is essential.
Private Equity Expertise
Demonstrable experience working within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. The candidate must understand the unique demands, reporting requirements, and pace of a PE-sponsored environment.
M&A Mastery
Extensive, hands-on experience leading and managing the legal aspects of M&A transactions is a non-negotiable requirement.
Broad Legal Knowledge
Proven expertise across a wide range of legal disciplines, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, employment law, compliance, and litigation management. Experience in the services industry is a significant plus.
Business Acumen
Must be a business-minded attorney who can translate complex legal issues into practical, actionable advice for non-legal stakeholders. Possesses a strong ability to assess and balance legal risk with business objectives.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Proven ability to lead and influence at all levels of the organization, from the Boardroom to the front lines. A collaborative, team-oriented approach is essential.
Personal Attributes
High level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism. A proactive, self-starter with a strong work ethic and a ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality. Must be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable with ambiguity in a rapidly changing environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive. The package includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A highly competitive six-figure base salary commensurate with experience.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual cash bonus based on individual and company performance targets.
Meaningful Equity Participation
A substantial equity grant, providing the opportunity to share directly in the value created through a future liquidity event.
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) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing legal education (CLE), professional association memberships, and other development opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate if not currently based in the Houston area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this Chief Legal Officer search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
We invite you to learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier legal executives by visiting our Legal Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how this role aligns with your career aspirations.
