General Counsel

Company Description

We are looking for General Counsel to join our team.  As General Counsel/Commercial Attorney, you will have strong commercial contract experience. You will be responsible for ensuring that the company operates within the law at all times, offering counsel on legal issues, creating an effective guardian of the organization, and facilitating business strategies development. You will be responsible for ensuring legal compliance and limit risk exposure. You will report to the CSO. 

The company is being supported in part by a local family office, so this role may have some cross-over responsibilities with them as well as time allows. 

Job Description

What you’ll do: 

• Contract Drafting and Review:  

  • Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts, including but not limited to confidentiality agreements, T&Cs, sales agreements, licensing agreements, vendor contracts, and partnership agreements. 

  • Ensure that contracts are legally sound, protect the company's interests, and comply with relevant laws and regulations. 

• Legal Compliance: 

  • Stay up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations in the industry and jurisdiction where the company operates. 

  • Develop and implement compliance programs and policies to ensure the organization operates within legal boundaries. 

  • Provide guidance on regulatory matters, data privacy, and intellectual property protection. 

• Risk Management: 

  • Identify legal risks associated with business activities and provide strategies to mitigate those risks. 

  • Advise on potential legal disputes and litigation matters, and work with external counsel when necessary. 

• Corporate Governance: 

  • Ensure the company's compliance with corporate governance principles and best practices. 

  • Assist with board meetings, record-keeping, and corporate filings as needed. 

• Intellectual Property: 

  • Work with outside IP counsel to manage and protect the company's intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. 

  • Conduct IP searches and evaluations and pursue necessary IP registrations or litigation. 

• Mergers and Acquisitions: 

  • Provide legal support during mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. 

  • Conduct due diligence, negotiate terms, and assist with integration efforts.

• Dispute Resolution:
  •  Attempt to resolve disputes through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods before resorting to litigation. 
  • Collaborate with external legal counsel when litigation is necessary. 

• Employee Training: 

  • Conduct training sessions for employees on legal and compliance matters to ensure awareness and adherence to company policies. 

• Legal Budget Management: 

  • Manage the legal department budget effectively, including external legal expenses. 

Qualifications

What you have: 

• Must sit in the Greater Los Angeles area 

• Min 4 years of proven general counseling experience in a business environment   

• Overall broad legal knowledge (corporate law, trademark/copyright, employment, etc.)   

• In-depth understanding of how legal issues affect organizations   

• Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives   

• Well-versed in how business operates with financial acumen   

• High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas   

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills  

• Juris Doctorate and CA bar license 

Full Time, hybrid schedule  

Additional Information

This is a full-time position in our beautiful offices in Santa Monica, CA.  We offer a great package including PTO, benefits, 401K, and holidays.  Compensation $160,000 - $180,000 DOE