Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

• Join our global leading business offering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities 
• Excellent work environment where people are valued and respected
• Permanent role based in Salt Lake City, Utah

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We are looking for a Corporate Legal Counsel to support the Kennecott team in the delivery of high quality, independent and timely legal advice and aspects affecting the Rio Tinto Group businesses that are of corporate, commercial and operational significance.

We are an open, connected international team. From mine to market, behind each of our operations and projects are technological innovations and data science that are driving new industry standards in mining and metals. With a clear focus on values, performance and strong leadership, you get to grow with an organization that values your work and rewards you accordingly.

Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel as part of the Rio Tinto Copper Legal Team you will have the following responsibilities:

• Providing advice and assistance to manage legal matters and risks facing Rio Tinto Kennecott, which includes the legal parameters for strategic business objectives as varying scenarios arise or are considered e.g. new projects, acquisitions/divestments, changing government regulation, critical incidents and operational issues, some of which may have a long term impact.
• Analyzing legal risks including corporate, commercial, regulatory and compliance aspects.
• Managing external legal resources costs effectively.
• Maintaining awareness of all material internal business developments and external legal developments which may lead to a need for legal advice.
• Providing advice, drafting and negotiating a range of legal documents and managing projects as designated.
• Managing litigation and disputes, including strategy.
• Liaising with, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with members of the Rio Tinto Legal team globally and the Rio Tinto Kennecott business units / corporate functions locally, and promoting collaboration and information sharing.
• Reviewing and developing template documentation as required for repetitive transactions and circumstances.
• Assisting the business with maintaining the compliance framework that enables Rio Tinto Kennecott to comply with its legal, regulatory and corporate requirements.

What you will bring

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• Qualification as a lawyer in the United States (Utah bar qualification preferred).
• Minimum 4-8 years prior work experience as an attorney either in private practice or in house. Prior knowledge or experience in mining is preferrable.
• Self-starter who can proactively identify gaps, legal needs and propose solutions to address them.
• Excellent inter-personal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Legal experience with real estate and land transactions is preferred.

What we offer

Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress as we work to produce the materials the world needs.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
• Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you’re able to spend quality time with your new family.
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life’s challenges.

Where you’ll be working

The role will be based in Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States and will support the Rio Tinto Kennecott operation. Rio Tinto Kennecott is the only fully integrated copper producing operation in the United States and has been operating for over 120 years.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

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