Paralegal- Contracts & Transfers

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. 

Job Description

IDQ has an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our corporate legal team in Bloomington, MN. The Paralegal coordinates and administers the legal, financial and operational approval process and associated paperwork to transfer contractual ownership of franchises in the U.S. and Canada and assist with matters related to enforcement of contracts. 

Key Accountabilities Include:

Contracts & Transfers

• Determine and enforce transfer requirements based upon analysis of franchise agreements and current company policies.
• Formulate and implement a plan to achieve satisfaction of all transfer requirements and direct all parties involved how to proceed.
• Be proactive and provide excellent customer service throughout the transfer process. Communicate requirements relating to the transfer process via phone, e-mail or written correspondence to buyers, sellers and their legal/business representatives, such as attorneys, brokers, accountants, etc.
• Leverage cross-organizational relationships to resolve issues related to finance, audit, operations and training.
• Read and evaluate commercial real estate documents, corporate documents, wills, trusts, leases, break-even point projections, profit and loss statements, personal financial statements and legal documents for authenticity and compliance with corporate policies and reconcile discrepancies.
• Evaluate legal documents and correspondence to determine end dispositions of franchise interest.
• Draft form legal documents (assignment documents, letter agreements, addenda, and amendments) as it relates to the transfer of ownership of franchises.
• Facilitate criminal background check, Patriot Act check and credit check requests for prospective buyers. 
• Resolve conflicts related to financing, operational issues, training compliance, collection of fees and legal issues.
• Work with other Legal Department team members on matters related to enforcement of contracts and draft and assist with Mutual Cancellation correspondence and documents.

Other Legal Department Responsibilities

• Administer the franchise service award program, including preparing and analyzing reports from the franchise database and sending reports to field/operations staff for verification.
• Assist on Legal Department projects as needed.
• Assist other members of the Legal Department, including reviewing contracts and other documents and drafting documents for defaults, litigation or project research as needed.
• Research contractual requirements and provide franchisees or field staff with contractual information as requested.
• Input and audit information on franchise database and reconcile discrepancies.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or related field, paralegal certificate preferred or equivalent combination of work experience and education.
• Minimum of 5 years of prior paralegal or administrative experience. Experience in franchisor organization, preferred.

Skills:

• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate procedures and requirements to a variety of audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro software.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
•  Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate in a team environment, coordinating with other departments (Operations, Credit, Training) to complete projects on time.

The US national hourly range for this non-exempt position is $34.30-$41.16. The base hourly range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location, and relevant education or experience.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.