Location: New York City
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operating Officer
Position Summary
The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the organization, providing strategic legal guidance across all aspects of a retail or fashion business, including commercial contracts, intellectual property, employment matters, regulatory compliance, and risk management. This role partners closely with executive leadership to support business growth while protecting the company’s brand, operations, and global interests.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as primary legal advisor to executive leadership and business units
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements including vendor, supplier, licensing, distribution, and retail contracts
- Oversee intellectual property protection including trademarks, copyrights, brand protection, and anti-counterfeiting efforts
- Provide guidance on employment law, labor issues, and HR-related matters
- Manage legal risk related to product sourcing, manufacturing, and supply chain operations
- Support real estate and lease negotiations for retail locations and distribution facilities
- Advise on regulatory compliance including consumer protection, advertising, privacy, and international trade requirements
- Manage disputes, litigation strategy, and outside counsel relationships
- Support e-commerce and digital commerce legal matters including data privacy and consumer regulations
- Assist leadership with corporate governance, M&A activity, and strategic initiatives
- Develop internal policies and compliance programs to mitigate legal risk
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
- Active bar membership in good standing
- 8–15+ years of legal experience, preferably including in-house retail, fashion, consumer goods, or related industry experience
- Strong experience negotiating complex commercial agreements
- Knowledge of intellectual property and brand protection strategies
- Experience advising executive leadership and cross-functional teams
- Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting global retail or fashion brands
- Knowledge of international sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution regulations
- E-commerce and data privacy experience
- Experience managing outside counsel and litigation matters
