Senior Counsel

Description

Whisker is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.

As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether it’s a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.

Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 600+ passionate team members.

What You’ll Do:

Whisker is seeking its first in-house legal team member with the hire of Senior In-House Counsel. Whisker’s Senior In-House Counsel will be a hands-on legal professional with broad experience in multiple areas of law and a vision to build out Whisker’s in-house legal capabilities with outside counsel and an in-house team (to be built over time). Senior In-House Counsel will oversee and manage all legal activities alongside outside counsel across corporate law, IP law, contracts, HR Law, International, and more. Senior In-House Counsel will partner with our leaders across disciplines and will have ultimate responsibility for all legal related matters at Whisker. Senior In-House Counsel will join the Whisker Management Team and report to the CFO. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary. Senior In-House Counsel will join our 30-person Management Team who are all passionately excited about shaping the future of pet care You will lead the following responsibilities:

• Organizational Management: You organize and manage all Whisker legal matters, prioritize the use of internal vs external resources, and keep the Executive Leadership Team apprised of all legal matters. 
• Commercial Law: You will lead and oversee all commercial legal work relating to technology infrastructure and applications; digital and e-commerce platforms, tools and technologies; innovation/development of products; and all contractual matters for Whisker.  You will provide legal advice and counsel to Whisker’s internal teams, including structuring, drafting, reviewing, analyzing, negotiating and interpreting a wide range of contracts and related documentation; identifying and addressing legal and commercial issues; and supporting on overall strategy and project execution.  Whisker’s Management Team has become savvy in matters of the law and will be your team member(s) in this area.
• Intellectual Property (patent law, copyright & trademark): Collaborate with external counsel to support the Whisker’s IP portfolio. Prosecute, defend, and litigate patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Oversee and manage the internal IP docket - ensuring alignment with the Whisker’s strategic goals. Provide guidance on IP matters as they arise and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s IP needs and assets. While not required to be an IP specialist, the Senior In-House Counsel will ensure robust protection and management of the company’s intellectual property in partnership with expert resources.
• HR Law: You will partner with all of our people leaders and HR Team to support ongoing HR legal needs while serving as the point person for outside HR counsel.
• Marketing: You will partner closely with our marketing team to ensure that all new major campaigns, statements, and creative direction align with legal requirements. You will partner with our marketers to ensure that we’re always compliant, especially as we expand globally. From opt-in SMS and email marketing law, to copyright across our website(s), app insights, worldwide privacy laws; and beyond: You will be responsible for supporting each marketing leader to enable their work. Much of this with outside counsel. 
• Privacy Law: You will oversee and manage the company’s compliance with data privacy laws and regulations, including but not limited to GDPR, CCPA, and other international and domestic privacy standards. Provide expert guidance to marketing, technology, and other key departments on regulatory requirements, risk assessments, and necessary adaptations to company practices. Ensure that data handling, processing, and retention policies align with evolving legal standards. Proactively monitor changes in privacy law, assess potential legal exposures, and