Company Overview

Wherever you work and whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name you know that you are a valued teammate who is part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality.” We start by offering each teammate more than just a salary. We provide formal training, competitive performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build your future.

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole selves to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you’re made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Job Category

Legal, Compliance & Audit

Position Summary

The Legal Recoveries and Environmental Litigation Paralegal works in a team approach to manage a docket of global legal recovery matters as well as environmental and toxic tort litigation and claims in the United States and Canada.

At any given time, the docket may include class action and commercial litigation and claims wherein we are seeking to recover money on behalf of the company, environmental litigation and claims pursuant to CERCLA and other environmental statutes, and toxic tort personal injury litigation and claims.

The Bridgestone Americas Law Department is a collaborative and engaging team of talented legal professionals. With a focus on strategic business partnership, team members engage in creative problem solving to help meet the needs of a dynamic business. Team members work within an environment that values a passion for learning and promotes and encourages the professional development and growth of all team members. The role reports directly to the Associate General Counsel, Legal Recoveries and Environmental Litigation.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage certain legal recovery and litigation matters, working directly with outside counsel

• Assist in-house and outside counsel in all aspects of management of legal recovery and environmental and toxic tort matters, including: Responding to discovery, including researching and collecting information to respond to interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, and third-party subpoenas, mediations and settlement negotiations

• Responding to information requests from U.S. EPA and/or state counterpart

• Maintaining and updating individual matter status and records Provide docketing, matter set up and assignment support for claims and lawsuits received by the company

• Assist in-house counsel in reporting to executive leadership on legal recovery and environmental litigation matters

• Provide support to Senior Counsel – Environmental in connection with environmental compliance matters

• Provide support to compliance team in assigning internal compliance matters and maintaining records of compliance training

This job description reflects the skills, qualifications and experiences that have been identified as ideal for this role. However, a candidate who meets some of the characteristics listed here and has a passion for learning can succeed in this position. If you have some of these key skills, qualifications, and experiences and are willing to learn, then you are encouraged to apply.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (“DE&I”)

BSAM promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion through a variety of Employee Resource Groups (“ERGs”), which bring teammates and allies together based on shared characteristics, life experiences, and interests. You can find information on our ERGs at https://www.bebridgestone.com/en_us/working-at[1]bridgestone/employee-resource-groups.

The Law Department launched a DE&I initiative in 2020 that complements company-wide DE&I efforts. Currently, department teammates participate in four DEI-related committees focused on recruiting, outside counsel engagement, internship programs, and inclusion. The Law Department has joined the Fall 2021 Mansfield Rule cohort, is a member of Diversity Lab’s Diversity Dividend Initiative, and is a member of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm (NAMWOLF)’s Inclusion Initiative Program.

Ethics & Compliance

Each member of the Law Department plays a key role in operationalizing the global and regional ethics and compliance program. This will include, among other things, engaging leadership in the client groups you support; identifying and managing risks facing your client groups (including third party risks); ensuring policies, standards and controls are effective and in place; conducting trainings and finding other ways to ensure your client groups understand what they are expected and required to do; and, conducting investigations relating to your client groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.

• Paralegal degree and/or 4+ years of relevant experience as a litigation paralegal. Superior written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.

• Availability to travel (<5% of time) may be required.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.