The Role:
This is a unique opportunity to be the foundational legal voice for a thriving designer brand. As our Sole In-House Counsel, you will be the go-to expert for all legal matters, directly impacting our business strategy and protecting our most valuable assets. You will work closely with leadership across design, production, marketing, and HR, providing practical, business-oriented legal guidance.
We are looking for a hands-on, proactive individual who is as passionate about fashion as they are about the law. This role is approximately 80% commercial & IP law and 20% employment/policy work.
Key Responsibilities:
Commercial Contracts & Business Affairs
Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide variety of commercial agreements, including:
• Fabric and material sourcing, production, and quality control agreements.
• Retail & Distribution: Wholesale agreements, license agreements, and boutique consignment contracts.
• Operations: IT, software SaaS, vendor, and service provider contracts.
• Real Estate: Lease agreements for retail stores and office spaces.
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
• Advise on marketing, advertising, and social media law, including FTC guidelines and rights of publicity/privacy.
• Monitor and take action against counterfeits, design infringements, and other brand dilution activities.
Employment & Corporate Policy
• Advise on a broad range of employment law issues, including hiring, performance management, employee relations, and termination.
• Develop, implement, and update employee handbooks, HR policies, and codes of conduct.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Job Requirements
Who You Are:
• 3-5 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong background in commercial law and intellectual property. A combination of law firm and in-house experience is highly desirable.
• A genuine interest in the fashion, retail, or consumer goods industry.
• A practical, business-minded problem solver who can balance legal risks with commercial objectives.
• A self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
