Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a high-growth, private equity-backed telecommunications infrastructure company in its search for a dynamic and strategic Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Based in the vibrant business hub of Atlanta, GA, this is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The CLO will serve as a key business partner to the executive team and the Board of Directors, providing expert legal counsel and strategic guidance on a wide array of critical matters. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-paced, acquisitive organization at the forefront of building America’s next-generation digital infrastructure.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned legal executive with a proven track record of success in complex, high-stakes environments. You are not just a legal advisor; you are a strategic thinker, a deal maker, and a pragmatic problem-solver who can navigate the intricate legal and regulatory landscapes of the telecom industry. In this role, you will be responsible for building and leading the company’s legal function, overseeing all legal affairs including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), regulatory compliance, commercial transactions, litigation, and intellectual property. Your leadership will be instrumental in mitigating risk while enabling the company to aggressively pursue its strategic growth objectives, including significant M&A activity and organic expansion. You will be a trusted counselor, a respected leader, and an integral part of a team dedicated to creating substantial long-term value for its stakeholders and private equity sponsors.
This position requires a leader with exceptional business acumen, a deep understanding of the drivers of a PE-backed enterprise, and the ability to operate with a sense of urgency and precision. You will be expected to provide not only legal advice but also sound business judgment, contributing to strategic planning and execution. The successful CLO will be a hands-on leader, capable of both managing a team and personally handling complex legal work. If you are a forward-thinking legal professional with a passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry, we encourage you to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a PE-backed Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
Executive Counsel & Strategic Advisory
Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on all legal, regulatory, and corporate governance issues. Provide strategic input on business plans, growth initiatives, and major corporate decisions.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead all legal aspects of M&A and other strategic transactions, from initial due diligence and structuring through negotiation of definitive agreements, financing, closing, and post-acquisition integration. This is a core function in the company’s PE-backed growth strategy.
Corporate Governance & Securities
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee meeting preparation, minutes, resolutions, and compliance with corporate formalities. Manage capitalization tables and equity-related matters. Ensure compliance with all relevant securities laws and regulations.
Regulatory & Compliance
Develop and manage a robust compliance program to ensure the company adheres to all applicable laws and regulations. Proactively monitor the complex regulatory environment of the telecommunications industry, including rules set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), state public utility commissions, and local zoning and permitting authorities.
Commercial Contracts & Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of complex commercial agreements, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with wireless carriers, tower and site leases, fiber optic network agreements, vendor contracts, software licenses, and partnership agreements.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Manage and oversee all litigation, claims, and disputes. Develop strategies to resolve conflicts favorably and cost-effectively, managing outside counsel relationships and budgets to achieve optimal outcomes.
Intellectual Property
Develop and implement strategies to protect the company’s valuable intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Labor & Employment
Partner with the Human Resources department to provide counsel on all employment-related legal matters, including hiring, termination, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and compliance with federal and state labor laws.
Risk Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and business risks across the organization. Develop and implement policies and procedures to minimize exposure and ensure business continuity. Oversee the company’s insurance programs.
Legal Department Leadership
Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing internal 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 Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
Education & Bar Admission
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with the ability to become licensed or registered as in-house counsel in Georgia.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive legal experience, with a combination of major law firm training and significant in-house counsel experience. At least 5 years of experience in a senior legal leadership role (e.g., General Counsel, Deputy GC, or senior Corporate Counsel) is required.
Industry Expertise
Substantial legal experience within the telecommunications, technology, or infrastructure sectors is strongly required. Deep familiarity with the legal and business issues related to wireless towers, fiber networks, data centers, or similar digital infrastructure assets is highly preferred.
Private Equity Acumen
Direct experience working in or for a private equity-backed company is highly desirable. The candidate must understand the pace, financial metrics, and value-creation focus inherent in a PE-sponsored environment.
Transactional Mastery
Extensive, hands-on experience leading and executing complex M&A transactions is essential. The candidate must be adept at due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiating transaction documents.
Regulatory Knowledge
Proven experience navigating complex federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks, particularly those relevant to the telecom industry (e.g., FCC regulations, right-of-way, zoning, and environmental permitting).
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop a legal team. Proven success in managing external counsel and controlling legal spend effectively.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and a commercially-minded approach to legal problem-solving. Ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business advice.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to build trust and rapport with the executive team, board members, investors, and employees at all levels. Must possess strong negotiation skills and executive presence.
Personal Attributes
High ethical standards, impeccable integrity, strong work ethic, and a hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality. Must be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and growth-oriented environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A meaningful long-term incentive plan with substantial equity participation, providing the opportunity to share directly in the value created through the company’s growth and success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for continuing legal education (CLE), professional association memberships, and other career development opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate, if required.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review process for all applicants.
For more information or to submit your application, please visit the careers section of our website or contact a representative from our Legal & Compliance Executive Search practice. We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can contribute to our client’s continued success.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
