Assistant General Counsel

Summary

Join Fender Musical Instruments Corporation's Global Legal team as a seasoned Assistant General Counsel! Based preferably in Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ, or Los Angeles, CA (remote work considered), you will provide critical legal support across Fender's global operations. This business-minded attorney role requires expertise in commercial law, intellectual property, and employment matters within global, brand-driven manufacturing. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and outside counsel, offering practical problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. The position involves managing Fender’s global trademark and patent portfolios, leading anti-counterfeiting efforts, advising on employment law, ensuring product compliance, and handling data privacy matters. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a world-famous brand.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school; active bar membership and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 8+ years of legal experience, including both law firm and in-house roles, ideally within consumer products, manufacturing, or entertainment sectors
• Deep experience in: Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
• Managing trademark and patent portfolios globally
• U.S. and international employment law and litigation
• Regulatory and product compliance for consumer goods
• Strong understanding of global data privacy and compliance frameworks (GDPR, CCPA)
• Ability to work cross-functionally, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, business-oriented mindset

Responsibilities

• Manage Fender’s global trademark and patent portfolios, including strategy, clearance, prosecution, enforcement, and disputes
• Lead anti-counterfeiting and brand protection efforts across key markets in coordination with internal teams and external counsel
• Support product teams in identifying and securing protection for innovations
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements (vendor, distribution, manufacturing, licensing, technology, artist, marketing)
• Serve as legal partner to Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, IT, and Operations, aligning legal guidance with business strategy
• Advise HR on U.S. and international employment law matters, including investigations, terminations, policy development, and compliance
• Manage employment-related litigation and administrative claims, including coordination with outside counsel
• Provide counsel on regulatory compliance for consumer products (safety, labeling, environmental regulations, sustainability)
• Partner with Product, Quality, and Compliance teams to ensure compliance across global markets
• Advise on data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) and support internal policy compliance and incident response
• Collaborate with IT and Security teams to maintain data protection standards
• Support global compliance programs, including anti-corruption, export controls, and supply chain transparency
• Assist with corporate governance, entity management, and enterprise risk mitigation initiatives
• Translate legal risks into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with the General Counsel to align legal strategies with business goals

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• An equipment purchase program