New York, New York Portland, Oregon Seattle, Washington Spokane, Washington Washington, D.C.
Direct Counsel is seeking a Commercial Contracts Counsel or Partner-level Attorney to join a highly regarded law firm and its growing Consumer Brands Industry Group. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior commercial attorney with substantial experience advising operating businesses on complex commercial agreements and strategic business relationships.
The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of sophisticated commercial contracting and transactional experience, with significant hands-on experience drafting and negotiating agreements across supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, sales, logistics, licensing, and other operational relationships. Experience representing consumer brands, manufacturers, or other product-based businesses is strongly preferred.
This role is primarily focused on commercial contracting and day-to-day strategic business counseling rather than corporate or M&A work.
ResponsibilitiesServe as a day-to-day commercial and strategic legal advisor to operating businesses.
Structure, draft, review, and negotiate sophisticated business-to-business agreements.
Advise clients on the legal and business considerations involved in developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling, and distributing products.
Handle agreements involving:
Raw materials, ingredients, components, and packaging supply
Contract manufacturing, co-manufacturing, and co-packing
Product development, formulation, research and development, and commercialization
Purchasing, procurement, and vendor relationships
Sales representatives, brokers, and other sales channels
Wholesale and retail distribution
Warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, and logistics
Private-label and white-label products
Licensing, co-branding, collaborations, and strategic partnerships
Intellectual property rights arising from commercial relationships
Quality, specifications, forecasting, ordering, pricing, and service-level arrangements
Identify business and legal risks and develop practical, creative solutions.
Advise clients not only on contractual terms, but also on how proposed business relationships should be structured and operated.
Anticipate potential operational issues and downstream consequences and translate solutions into clear contractual structures.
Take ownership of complex matters and manage multiple projects, workstreams, and deadlines.
Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing relationships and generate new business.
Collaborate with attorneys and professionals across a multidisciplinary practice.
8+ years of sophisticated commercial contracting and transactional experience.
Significant experience independently drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements for operating businesses.
Demonstrated experience across multiple categories of supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, sales, logistics, licensing, or other operational commercial agreements.
Experience representing consumer products, food and beverage, beauty, pet, apparel, home goods, consumer electronics, toys and games, baby products, or other product-based businesses is strongly preferred.
Excellent business judgment with the ability to understand client objectives, identify material risks, and develop practical solutions.
Exceptional critical-thinking, creative problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Strong project-management and organizational abilities.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to explain sophisticated legal and business issues clearly and practically.
Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
Highly responsive, collaborative, and service-oriented approach.
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and license to practice law.
Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
A portable book of business is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to build strong client relationships, expand existing relationships, and generate new business is a plus.
Experience with general corporate matters, M&A, strategic transactions, or transactional intellectual property is helpful but not required; deep commercial contracting experience is the priority.
Salary Range: $300,000-$550,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors.
The firm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer contributions; commuter benefits; disability and life insurance; parental leave; billable credit for approved DEI and pro bono work; annual bonus opportunities; and additional benefits.
Why Join?This is an opportunity to join a collaborative and multidisciplinary team serving emerging and established consumer brands across a broad range of industries. The practice provides attorneys with the opportunity to serve as trusted business advisors, work on sophisticated commercial matters, develop long-term client relationships, and play a meaningful role in the growth of the firm's Consumer Brands practice.