About the Role

Total Wine & More is seeking a Associate General Counsel (AGC) to join our Legal Department team in Bethesda, Maryland. You will serve as a legal advisor to the Company and its affiliated businesses operating under the Total Wine & More name in 30 different states and District of Columbia. You will interact with and provide legal advice and guidance to the more than 10,000 team members who work in Total Wine's retail stores and functional departments within our corporate offices in Bethesda, MD, in a multitude of different subject areas, including corporate governance, store expansion and licensure, compliance, intellectual property, advertising, and employment law. You will work closely with the Company's General Counsel and legal staff, state and local government agencies, and a team of outside counsel to oversee the Company's litigation and compliance matters in 30 states (and counting) as well as District of Columbia. You will report to the General Counsel.

You will

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing Total Wine & More’s operations across 30 states and District of Columbia, proactively identifying risk areas and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Partner with the General Counsel, Government Affairs team, and state agencies/legislatures to shape regulatory strategy and support legislative engagement.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes in the alcoholic beverage industry, advising leadership on implications and strategic responses.
• Manage outside counsel relationships, overseeing litigation, regulatory matters, and contract negotiations to ensure alignment with business goals and cost efficiency.
• Advise the executive team, Board of Directors, and senior leaders on legal risks, policy changes, and governance matters that impact business operations and strategic initiatives.
• Counsel business unit leaders—including HR, Store Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Store Development—on legal requirements, best practices, and strategies to advance company objectives.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations to guide internal decision-making and ensure consistent application across departments and support the development of internal policies and compliance programs that reinforce ethical standards and regulatory adherence.
• Review and negotiate complex contracts, including vendor agreements and real estate transactions, ensuring legal soundness and alignment with business priorities.

You will come with

• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent years of experience
• Juris Doctor (JD) required
• 10+ years experience working as a lawyer in a private commercial law firm or hybrid of that law firm experience and in-house counsel in a corporate legal department preferred
• Prior legal experience in employment/labor law litigation, commercial agreements and litigation, real estate lease negotiations. and/or licensing
• Superior written and oral communication skills, and strong legal reasoning skills are required
• Strong business communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and with others
• Ability to thrive in a changing, fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Strong legal research, writing and editing skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Bar Admission Active and in good standing with bar admission in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia

We offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Generous store discounts 
• Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision) 
• 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits 
• Disability & life insurance coverage 
• Paid parental leave 
• Pet insurance 
• Critical illness and accident insurance 
• Discounted home and auto insurance 
• College tuition assistance 
• Career development & product training 
• Consumer classes 
• & More! 

Grow with us

We recognize our team members are our biggest asset, and we value the critical role each play in contributing to the company’s success. It is our commitment to support and provide access to the resources needed to take care of their health and wellbeing. That is why we offer a variety of benefits, tools, and resources to support through our Total Rewards program. To view our full career page, click here: https://careers.totalwine.com/!

Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.

Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.

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The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.

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