Assistant General Counsel

About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories and fragrances. The company's collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses and men's and women's swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, An 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. Additional information on the company is available at www.pery.com.

Assistant General Counsel, Position Overview

Perry Ellis International is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant General Counsel to join our legal team. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the Assistant General Counsel will play a critical role in providing strategic legal counsel and support to the company across a wide range of legal matters. This position requires a seasoned attorney with a strong business acumen, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of success in a corporate legal environment. Responsibilities:

• Legal Counsel and Risk Management:
  • Provide expert legal counsel on a wide range of matters, including but not limited to, commercial contracts, intellectual property, litigation, compliance, corporate governance, and employment law. ○ Identify and assess legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. 
  • Advise senior management on legal and regulatory developments that may impact the company. 
• Commercial Transactions:
  • Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including licensing agreements, distribution agreements, vendor agreements, and other business contracts. 
  • Provide strategic legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. 
• Intellectual Property:
  • Oversee the management and protection of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. 
  • Handle IP litigation and enforcement matters. 
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
  • Manage litigation and dispute resolution matters, including overseeing outside counsel and developing litigation strategies. 
  • Conduct internal investigations and resolve legal disputes effectively. 
•  Compliance and Corporate Governance:
  • Develop and implement compliance programs and policies to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations. 
  • Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with SEC regulations and other applicable requirements. 
• Team Leadership and Management:
  • Assist the Chief Legal Officer in managing and mentoring the legal team. 
  • Provide guidance and support to legal staff and outside counsel. 
  • Assumes duties of the Chief Legal Officer in their absence. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. 
• Admission to the bar in at least one state. 
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience practicing law in a corporate legal department or major law firm, preferably with experience in the apparel or retail industry. 
• Extensive experience in commercial transactions, intellectual property, litigation, and compliance. 
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and SEC regulations. 
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal counsel and business solutions. 
• Strong leadership and management skills. 
• Experience managing outside counsel. 
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with international legal matters. 
• Experience with licensing agreements in the fashion industry. 

Work Environment

• This is an on-site position based at Perry Ellis International's headquarters in Miami, FL.
• The work environment is collaborative and focused on teamwork, growth, and respect.
• 5 days a week in office.

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