General Counsel

The General Counsel (GC) will be a key executive team member, directly advising the CEO and leadership on legal matters. The GC will oversee the company's legal affairs, including governance, compliance, intellectual property, litigation, contracts, employment law, import law and tariffs, and risk management. Collaboration with various departments is essential to ensure legal alignment with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Strategy and Leadership:
  • Advise the executive team on legal matters and business decisions.
  • Lead the legal department, ensuring efficient and effective support.
  • Manage outside counsel which are engaged for specific complex matters.
• Corporate Governance and Compliance:
  • Oversee corporate governance and compliance with relevant laws.
  • Develop policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and international laws.
  • Ensure adherence to CPSC regulations and respond to inquiries. Collaborate with the quality departments to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Management:
  • Manage the company's IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
  • Oversee IP-related agreements and protection strategies.
• Contract and Commercial Law:
  • Lead contract negotiations with suppliers, distributors, and third parties.
  • Ensure contracts protect the company’s interests and adhere to policies.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
  • Oversee all litigation matters and disputes involving the company, coordinating with outside counsel when necessary.
  • Resolve legal disputes through negotiation, settlement, or litigation.
  • Advise the executive team on potential litigation risks and assist in strategic decision-making.
• Employment Law and Labor Relations:
  • Advise on employment issues, workplace policies, and labor law compliance.
  • Support HR with legal matters related to hiring, firing, and disputes.
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Strategic Transactions:
  • Assist in due diligence and negotiations and ensure the company’s interests are protected during strategic business transactions.
  • Ensure the company’s interests are protected in ongoing business operations, with a focus on day-to-day legal matters. (For one-off transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, or partnerships, we engage external law firms as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Active license to practice law.
• Experience:
  • 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior legal role, preferably in consumer goods, manufacturing, or technology.
  • Expertise in corporate governance, commercial contracts, IP, and regulatory compliance.
  • Proven experience managing legal teams and collaborating with executive leadership.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong judgment, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to navigate complex legal issues while balancing business risks.
  • Experience with international laws and global operations is a plus.
  • Leadership and mentorship capabilities for a small legal team.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Expertise in product liability, regulatory compliance, and environmental regulations in consumer goods.
  • Experience with import compliance and tariff policies.
  • Knowledge of IP management in consumer appliances or manufacturing.
  • Background in private equity transactions, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Multilingual proficiency in Spanish and or Mandarin is a plus.