European Legal Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Steve Madden is seeking an experienced, business-oriented attorney licensed to practice law in one or more European Union jurisdictions to join its Legal Department in New York. This role serves as the primary legal advisor for the Company's European commercial activities and intellectual property matters, supporting Steve Madden's portfolio of footwear, handbags, accessories, apparel, and licensed brands.

The successful candidate will partner closely with business leaders across Sales, Licensing, Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and Brand Management to provide practical legal advice that supports the Company's international growth while protecting its valuable intellectual property assets.

Essential Responsibilities:

Commercial Transactions

Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of domestic and international commercial agreements, including:

• Distribution agreements
• Agency and sales representative agreements
• Licensing agreements
• Manufacturing and supply agreements
• Vendor and service agreements
• E-commerce and technology agreements
• Marketing, promotional, and collaboration agreements
• Advise business teams on commercial and contractual matters involving European markets.
• Support international expansion initiatives and strategic commercial relationships.
• Provide practical legal guidance to business stakeholders to facilitate efficient and compliant commercial operations.

Intellectual Property

• Conduct intellectual property clearance reviews for proposed footwear, handbag, apparel, accessory, packaging, branding, and marketing concepts, with a particular emphasis on European trademark and design rights.
• Advise Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams regarding intellectual property risks and strategies to minimize infringement exposure while preserving creative flexibility.
• Work closely with outside intellectual property counsel to assess legal risks and develop practical business solutions.
• Assist in developing and implementing global intellectual property protection and enforcement strategies.

Intellectual Property Enforcement

• Oversee and manage trademark, design, copyright, and unfair competition disputes throughout Europe.
• Direct and coordinate outside counsel handling intellectual property litigation, customs enforcement, oppositions, cancellations, and administrative proceedings.
• Develop litigation strategy in collaboration with senior legal leadership and business stakeholders.
• Monitor emerging legal developments affecting European intellectual property rights and advise internal clients accordingly.

Regulatory & Legal Support

• Advise on European legal issues affecting consumer products, including commercial law, marketing practices, consumer protection, and product-related legal considerations.
• Partner with internal teams on legal issues affecting international product launches and business initiatives.
• Assist with legal support for licensing, brand collaborations, and international marketing initiatives.
• Provide legal training to internal business teams regarding intellectual property and commercial contracting best practices.
• Manage outside counsel throughout Europe and oversee legal budgets for assigned matters.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in one or more European Union member states.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Approximately 2-5 years of relevant legal experience in-house and/or with a leading law firm.
• Experience negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated experience advising on European intellectual property matters, including trademark and design law.
• Experience managing cross-border intellectual property disputes and outside counsel.
• Familiarity with the fashion, footwear, accessories, apparel, luxury, or consumer products industries strongly preferred.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multinational consumer brands.
• Familiarity with international distribution and licensing arrangements.
• Experience with EU trademark and Community design practice before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
• Working knowledge of UK intellectual property law following Brexit.
• Fluency in one or more European languages is a plus.

Competencies

• Strong commercial judgment and business acumen.
• Practical, solution-oriented approach to legal issues.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives and cross-functional business partners.
• Sound strategic thinking and risk assessment.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and collaborative environment.

Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the General Counsel and works closely with senior leaders throughout the Legal, Design, Product Development, Licensing, Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, and Executive teams.

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $80,000 - $100,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.