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 company’s 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.

Minimum of 8 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 $280,000 to $330,000 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:

Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday

Generous product gift program and all brand discounts

Growth opportunities within the Archipelago family of brands: OluKai, Kaenon, Melin, Roark

Company bonus program

5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines

Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines

401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines

15 Days of PTO accrued annually, 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 the ocean lifestyle

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 individual’s 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 [email protected]. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.