Director & Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Compliance

Job Title: Director & Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Compliance 

Job Summary: We’re seeking an experienced legal leader to oversee litigation, IP enforcement, compliance, and employment law for one of the world's most recognized entertainment brands. This role sits at the center of significant business and legal decisions, providing strategic counsel on complex issues that impact the company's brand, people, and operations globally. The successful candidate will help shape the organization's approach to risk while leading high-profile matters with meaningful business impact. As a member of the Legal Leadership Team, they will also play a key role in developing talent and influencing the future direction of the legal function.

FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

People Manager: Yes

What you'll do

• Lead and manage all aspects of litigation, including pre-litigation counseling and preparation, case strategy, and coordination with outside counsel.
• Represent TPCi before regulatory authorities and agencies.  Develop proactive legal strategies and internal processes and policies to mitigate risk, support compliance and protect company interests across global operations.
• Oversee and continuously improve corporate compliance programs, including regulatory compliance, internal policies, and training initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure adherence to evolving laws, regulations, and industry standards and best practices.
• Develop strategic recommendations and lead intellectual property enforcement efforts, including anti-counterfeiting, trademark protection, copyright enforcement, and domain name disputes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to advise on high-profile legal, reputational and business risks, and safeguard the Pokémon brand worldwide.
• Provide strategic guidance on employment law issues, including employee relations, investigations, policy development, and workforce management.
• Advise on U.S. and international employment regulations and partner with HR to foster a compliant and inclusive workplace.
• Develop, nurture and manage a high-performing team, while maintaining a fun and supportive team environment.
• Interact regularly with business leaders and partners in the US and abroad on matters in the role’s remit, as well as on enterprise-level legal priorities that require cross-functional legal team alignment.
• Manage the broader Legal Department as a member of the Legal Leadership team (CLO and Legal Department Directors). 
• Manage budgets for outside counsel and headcount for reporting teams, in consultation with the CLO.

What you’ll bring

• Minimum of 12+ years of post-qualification legal experience required, plus significant people management experience with two+ (2+) years minimum required.
• Proven expertise building, developing and leading high-performing teams.
• Significant in-house or law firm experience leading at least one of the following areas required, two or more preferred: complex litigation, IP enforcement, compliance, and/or labor and employment matters.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school or equivalent educational qualification.
• Bar license in good standing in Washington state or another jurisdiction is required. If not currently admitted to practice in Washington, qualified to seek admission to practice in Washington and successfully register with the Washington State Bar upon hire.
• An excellent understanding of litigation risk and a strategic and commercial mindset.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building, developing and leading high-performing teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and evolving environment. 
• Enthusiasm to embrace challenges and solve hard problems with a sense of humor and compassion in support of nurturing and growing one of the world’s most beloved brands.
• Experience in entertainment, technology, games and/or consumer products industries, as well as experience working internationally or collaborating across cultures, is preferred.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $188,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year. The full range is $188,000.00 - $339,000.00 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

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