To align with our internal team structure, this role will be hired at either the Associate or Manager level, with compensation aligned to the candidate's skills, experience, and education. This role will support New Era's Legal Department and domestic and international business teams by providing practical, business-focused legal support across commercial contracts, marketing and brand initiatives, compliance, corporate matters, and day-to-day legal questions. This role will work cross-functionally with business partners in marketing, licensing, sales, operations, sourcing, finance, human resources, IT, and international divisions to help advance New Era's business objectives while managing legal and business risk.

The Legal team at New Era Cap provides strategic legal guidance and support across all areas of the business, including licensing, finance, operations, logistics, technology, marketing, human resources, and corporate transactions. They oversee contracts, litigation, intellectual property, brand protection, compliance, risk management, and corporate governance while partnering with stakeholders to develop and execute legal strategies that support the company's goals and growth.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Governance and Finance Support. Support corporate governance matters, entity management, corporate resolutions, officer and director updates, intercompany finance and loan transactions, internal corporate agreements, and related Legal and Finance Department initiatives
• Commercial Contracts. Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial agreements, including license agreements, distribution agreements, confidentiality agreements, trademark consent agreements, manufacturing agreements, real estate lease agreements, customer onboarding documents, vendor compliance agreements, purchase agreements, service agreements, and other business and operations contracts
• Marketing, Brand, and Product Support. Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on marketing agreements, agency agreements, event and contest terms and conditions, collaboration agreements, custom product orders, marketing content, social media posts, and legal issues affecting New Era product designs
• Business Counseling. Advise internal business clients on legal and business matters, including customs issues, collections matters, customer service issues, contract status, legal risks, and key business terms of various transactions
• Strategic Transactions. Support retail store license and franchise agreements, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and integration-related legal support
• Compliance, Privacy, and Responsible Technology. Maintain working knowledge of regulatory compliance matters relevant to the business, such as foreign franchising regulations, anti-bribery and sanctions requirements, privacy laws such as CCPA, GDPR, and PIPL, and appropriate use of Microsoft Copilot and other AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies and legal requirements
• Litigation and Outside Counsel. Support the Legal Department and outside counsel with litigation, discovery responses, legal research, and coordination with outside law firms as necessary.
• Legal Operations. Support implementation, input, and management of Legal Department contract processes, procedures, and electronic contract databases
• Cross-Functional Collaboration. Work with coordinators, managers, directors, senior leaders, executives, and teams across Sports Licensed Categories, Marketing, Production and Sourcing, Operations, Sales, Human Resources, Business Development, IT, Finance, and international divisions
• Confidentiality and Other Duties. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive matters and perform other legal responsibilities as directed or assigned
• Keep all sensitive matters confidential
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Copilot, and other AI-enabled productivity tools; familiarity with major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok
• Ability to use technology, such as Microsoft Copilot and AI-enabled tools, responsibly and efficiently to support legal research, drafting, organization, and workflow management
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, fast-paced, and high-energy environment
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted legal and business advisor to the Legal Department and business teams
• Strong business acumen and business savvy
• Sound judgment and a hands-on, reasonable, and practical approach to the law
• Natural ability to use creativity and a practical approach to propose solutions to complex situations
• Self-starting, mature, focused, confident, resilient, and resourceful
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential information

Required Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor degree required
• Active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar, with eligibility to register as in-house counsel in New York
• One (1) to three (3) years of practical legal experience required for Associate level; three (3) or more years of practical legal experience required for Manager level
• Experience working successfully in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities

Preferred Experience

• In-house corporate legal experience
• Experience with consumer products, marketing, licensing, brand protection, privacy, compliance, or social media review

Travel Requirement

• The location for this position is 100% on-site in Buffalo, NY
• 0% to 5%; domestic and/or global

The salary range for this posted position is $110,000 - $160,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation will fall within this range and is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

Our casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering competitive compensation, a generous PTO policy, along with world-class benefits designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!

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