Archipelago Corporate Counsel

Who We Are:

Archipelago Companies a portfolio of highly successful consumer lifestyle brands is seeking a talented and passionate individual with an entrepreneurial mindset to join our team. Our brands including OluKai Kaenon Melin Roark are leaders in their respective markets offering high-quality products and authentic marketing stories direct to consumers. At Archipelago Companies we pride ourselves on our commitment to integrity and we strive to create a culture of excellence in everything we do. If you are a driven and innovative individual with a passion for consumer brands we invite you to apply for our open position and become a part of our dynamic and growing team.

About The Role:

The Archipelago Corporate Counsel is responsible for providing legal guidance and strategic support across all aspects of the business with a focus on commercial contracts supply chain intellectual property compliance and corporate governance. This role will partner closely with internal teams including Executive Leadership Operations Product Development Procurement HR and Finance as well as external vendors and brand partners to mitigate risk and ensure business decisions align with company policies and legal standards.

The ideal candidate is a business-minded attorney who thrives in a fast-paced collaborative environment and has experience supporting consumer product or footwear/apparel companies.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Contract Management & Commercial Support

• Draft review and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements including:
  • Vendor and supplier contracts
  • Manufacturing and sourcing agreements
  • Distribution licensing and agency contracts
  • Marketing influencer and service provider agreements
• Establish and manage standardized contract templates and approval workflows.
• Partner with Operations and Procurement to ensure clarity of terms and compliance with supplier obligations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure company compliance with federal state and international regulations related to manufacturing import/export labor environmental standards and consumer safety.
• Support the development and enforcement of internal compliance programs and policies.
• Identify and mitigate business and operational risks through proactive legal analysis and advice.

Intellectual Property & Brand Protection

• Oversee trademark copyright and design registration strategies in coordination with outside counsel.
• Monitor and enforce IP rights globally to protect the companys brand assets.
• Support product development and marketing teams on IP clearance and use of third-party content.

Corporate Governance & General Counsel Support

• Support corporate governance activities including board resolutions meeting minutes and entity management.
• Assist with insurance data privacy and employment-related legal matters as needed.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on key strategic and operational initiatives.

Employment Law and Internal Legal Matters

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on all employment-related issues including hiring practices employee relations performance management workplace investigations terminations and compliance with federal state and local employment laws.
• Partner with Human Resources and senior leadership to develop implement and maintain compliant employment policies procedures and training programs that align with company values and risk management priorities.
• Manage and oversee internal investigations into employee complaints code of conduct matters and potential policy violations ensuring consistent application of company policies and appropriate legal risk mitigation.
• Provide guidance on employee discipline reductions in force wage and hour compliance leaves of absence accommodations and other personnel matters.
• Monitor evolving labor and employment legislation and advise the company on necessary updates to policies and practices.
• Oversee the management of external counsel on employment disputes administrative claims and litigation as needed.
• Support leadership in maintaining a positive and legally compliant workplace culture ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees across the organization.

Training & Communication

• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal policies contract best practices and regulatory updates.
• Communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively to non-legal stakeholders.

Requirements and Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; member in good standing of a U.S. state bar.
• 8-10 years of relevant legal experience preferably in-house with a consumer goods footwear or apparel company or at a law firm with clients in these industries.
• Strong background in commercial contracts manufacturing/supply chain law and intellectual property.
• Experience with international business operations a plus (e.g. Asia-based manufacturing or distribution).

Skills & Attributes

• Business-oriented and pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving.
• Excellent drafting negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Collaborative team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards and sound professional judgment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate completion of contract reviews and negotiations.
• Reduced contract cycle times and improved standardization.
• Compliance incidents and legal risks minimized.
• Positive feedback from internal teams regarding accessibility and clarity of legal support.

Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is $280000 to $330000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Location: This is an in-office position minimum of 4 days per week in office with the option to work from home 1 day per week in Irvine CA. This work schedule is subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Benefits and Perks:

• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
• 5 year and 10 year Anniversary gifts and travel to desirable destinations in accordance with plan guidelines
• Wellness program
• Medical Dental Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid beach and giveback days bi annual team building events and other in person celebrations
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
• Dog friendly office

Archipelago Companies values a diverse inclusive and entrepreneurial workforce and culture and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race color sex gender identity gender expression religion age national origin or ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition family care status marital status domestic partner status sexual orientation genetic information military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability please contact us at Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Required Experience:

Senior IC