Senior Counsel - Business Affairs

Company Description

Vuori is re-defining what athletic apparel looks like: built to move and sweat in but designed with a casual aesthetic to transition into everyday life. We draw inspiration from an active coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, creative expression and life. Our high energy fast paced retail environment is reflected in the clothes we make. We aim to inspire others to take on all aspects of their lives with clarity, enthusiasm and purpose…while having a lot of fun along the way. We are proud to be an outlet for opportunity and for personal growth and success.

Job Description

In this role, you will be a critical member of the legal team, helping build the legal infrastructure for this exciting company as it grows and scales.  You will interface with business partners across the organization and help elevate the legal team’s strategic partnership with the business, playing an important role in bringing the Vuori brand to life.  In this position, you will play a critical role in providing legal guidance and support to the organization. You will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of legal matters, negotiating and drafting contracts, and advising on business strategies to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This position requires a strong background in marketing (including influencers, music, creative and claims), contract negotiation, commercial law and deep knowledge of the retail, apparel, fashion and consumer industries.   

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Partnering with the legal team to build Vuori’s legal infrastructure and implement legal strategy 
• Providing creative and practical legal and commercial advice and counsel to business partners on a wide array of business and contractual issues, including commercial contracts, licensing, advertising, marketing and regulatory compliance, while coordinating with other Legal team members and stakeholders as necessary, building trusted advisor relationships and collaborating effectively across all levels of the organization. 
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of commercial agreements, such as marketing contracts, vendor contracts, supplier agreements and licensing agreements, ensuring they align with the company's interests and comply with applicable laws. 
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards in retail, apparel, fashion and consumer. Staying up-to-date with changes in relevant laws and regulations and provide guidance to stakeholders on compliance matters. 
• Developing strategy and process and reviewing advertising and marketing materials and practices for intellectual property and other compliance. 
• Identifying potential legal risks and proposing risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the company's interests. Advising leadership on legal implications of business decisions and providing proactive guidance to minimize legal exposure. 
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, to provide legal support and guidance in developing and executing business strategies, including new market entry, product launches, and partnerships. 
• Providing sound dispute and risk management and, post-escalation, active oversight and management of litigation, if applicable 
• Creating and implementing tools and training for smooth processes, efficiency, consistency, learning and empowerment 
• Staying on top of, and advising on, legal and market developments, including changes in laws, regulations, and policies      
• Leading special projects and various workstreams as needed  
• Managing the successful delivery of services by outside counsel  
• Addressing questions and issues that arise from various internal and external stakeholders 
• Supporting the efforts to establish and evolve the legal function as Vuori grows and scales 

Qualifications

• J.D. or international equivalent and member of the bar in good standing in at least one US jurisdiction 
• Experience working in the retail industry preferred 
• 6 to 10+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably with a combination of law firm and in-house, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities 
• Strong knowledge of retail, apparel, fashion and consumer industry practices, trends, and regulations. 
• Extensive experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, licensing agreements, and distribution agreements. 
• In-depth understanding of intellectual property issues, including trademark and copyright law, as they pertain to the retail, apparel, and fashion sectors. 
• Familiarity with ad