Senior Paralegal – Operations & Compliance - PetSmart

The Legal team provides responsive, collaborative, high-quality legal services and sound business solutions to our partners across all areas of PetSmart including business relationships, employment law, associate relations, real estate transactions, and others. They ensure we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives.

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

SUMMARY

We are looking for a paralegal to support all aspects of retail store operations at PetSmart. This position requires knowledge and experience navigating regulatory processes. The ideal candidate has exceptional judgment and can provide practical, business-oriented advice to help our teams achieve commercial goals in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise on a wide range of issues related to the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures at our retail stores and distribution centers.
• Coordinate and negotiate, in conjunction with attorneys, with regulatory agencies to resolve inquiries, citations, and fines.
• Conduct detailed research and analysis of complex legal issues.
• Help to organize and manage operations projects and initiatives, helping the team understand the key inputs and obstacles across the company.
• Identify issues with legal implications and resolve, direct or escalate them as appropriate.
• Track court appearances and assist with the development of employee testimony.
• Compile and distribute reports related to compliance issues, including updates on progress, risks, and impediments.
• Proactively support the legal intake process for store issues, coordinate workflow, prepare ad-hoc reports, and oversee legal projects.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships throughout the business.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, paralegal certificate OR the equivalent combination of formal education, training and or experience
• Minimum of 5 years of related and relevant experience, preferably with larger business clients. In-house legal experience is a plus.
• Relevant experience includes: 
• Strong understanding of retail compliance issues.
• A robust knowledge of legal processes and technological solutions.

SKILLS 

• Must have excellent commercial judgment and the communication skills to convey complex legal issues to non-legal professionals throughout the company.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to work well with others, influence management, peers and staff.
• Must have the adaptability to solve problems with innovative solutions.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize, manage and deliver projects on time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.