EU/UK Legal Counsel

Role Overview

EU/UK Legal Counsel to join Steve Madden’s Legal Department in New York. The role is the primary legal advisor for the company’s European commercial activities and intellectual property matters, partnering with business leaders across Sales, Licensing, Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, and Brand Management.

Responsibilities

Commercial Transactions

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage domestic and international commercial agreements, including:
  • Distribution agreements
  • Agency and sales representative agreements
  • Licensing agreements
  • Manufacturing and supply agreements
  • Vendor and service agreements
  • E-commerce and technology agreements
  • Marketing, promotional, and collaboration agreements
• Advise business teams on commercial and contractual matters involving European markets.
• Support international expansion initiatives and strategic commercial relationships.
• Provide practical, efficient, and compliant legal guidance.

Intellectual Property

• Conduct IP clearance reviews for proposed footwear, handbag, apparel, accessory, packaging, branding, and marketing concepts (with emphasis on European trademark and design rights).
• Advise Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams on IP risks and strategies to minimize infringement exposure while preserving creative flexibility.
• Work with outside IP counsel to assess legal risks and develop practical business solutions.
• Assist in developing and implementing global IP protection and enforcement strategies.

Intellectual Property Enforcement

• Oversee and manage trademark, design, copyright, and unfair competition disputes throughout Europe.
• Coordinate outside counsel for litigation, customs enforcement, oppositions, cancellations, and administrative proceedings.
• Develop litigation strategy with senior legal leadership and business stakeholders.
• Monitor emerging developments impacting European IP rights and advise internal clients.

Regulatory & Legal Support

• Advise on European legal issues impacting consumer products, including commercial law, marketing practices, consumer protection, and product-related considerations.
• Support international product launches and business initiatives.
• Provide legal support for licensing, brand collaborations, and international marketing initiatives.
• Deliver legal training to internal business teams on IP and commercial contracting best practices.
• Manage outside counsel across Europe and oversee legal budgets for assigned matters.

Requirements

• J.D. (or equivalent law degree).
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in one or more EU member states.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• 2–5 years of relevant legal experience (in-house and/or at a leading law firm).
• Strong experience negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated experience advising on European IP matters (trademark and design law).
• Experience managing cross-border IP disputes and working with outside counsel.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the fashion, footwear, accessories, apparel, luxury, or consumer products industries.