General Counsel

Overview of Company

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and licenses nationally and with a brand portfolio of over 42 Brands domestically and internationally recognized brands including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

General Counsel, Position Overview

Perry Ellis International is seeking a highly skilled and experienced General Counsel to provide strategic legal counsel and leadership across the organization. The General Counsel will oversee all legal affairs, ensuring the company's compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and protecting its interests. This role requires a seasoned attorney with strong business acumen, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of success in a corporate legal environment, preferably within the apparel or retail industry.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Legal Counsel:
  • Provide expert legal advice and counsel to senior management on a wide range of legal issues, including commercial transactions, intellectual property, litigation, compliance, and employment law.
  • Anticipate and identify legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
  • Advise on legal and regulatory developments that may impact the company's business operations.
• Acquisitions, Divestitures and Other Business and Commercial Transactions
  • Structure, draft, review, negotiate, and finalize complex commercial agreements, including licensing agreements, distribution agreements, vendor agreements, purchase agreements, and other business contracts.
  • Provide legal support and guidance on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions.
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
  • Manage and oversee all litigation and dispute resolution matters, including managing outside counsel, developing litigation strategies, and negotiating settlements.
  • Conduct internal investigations and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Compliance and Corporate Governance:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain corporate compliance programs and policies to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
  • Advise on matters of corporate governance, and compliance with applicable listing standards.
• Legal Team Leadership and Management:
  • Lead, manage, and mentor the legal department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
  • Manage, select, and oversee the work of outside counsel.
  • Develop and manage the legal department budget.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Legal Officer.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
• Admission to the bar in at least one state, preferably Florida.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience practicing law in a corporate legal department or major law firm, with significant experience in the apparel/retail industry preferred.
• Extensive experience in a broad range of legal areas, including commercial transactions, intellectual property, litigation, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex legal matters and leading teams.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice and counsel to senior management.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand and address the legal issues and risks facing a global company.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with international legal matters, including cross-border transactions and compliance.
• Experience with licensing agreements in the fashion/apparel industry.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and inspire others.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Results-oriented with a focus on achieving business objectives.

Legal Disclaimer:

Perry Ellis International is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their individual background and characteristics. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities.

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