Assistant General Counsel

Overview

HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) makes everyday apparel that is known and loved by consumers around the world for comfort, quality and value. Among the company’s iconic brands are Hanes, the leading basic apparel brand in the United States; Bonds, which is setting new standards for design and sustainability; Maidenform, America’s number one shapewear brand; and Bali, America’s number one bra brand. HBI employs 48,000 associates in 29 countries and has built a strong reputation for workplace quality and ethical business practices. The company, a longtime leader in sustainability, has set aggressive 2030 goals to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and produce sustainable products. 

The Assistant General Counsel will assist in developing and managing a global legal framework for protecting the Company's intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, and domain names; and working closely with the marketing and product development teams, providing key counsel on claim substantiation and FTC issues. This role involves supporting the identification, assessment, and management of IP risks, ensuring compliance with FTC regulations in marketing and advertising, and aiding the product development team in substantiating claims.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a global legal framework for the protection of the Company’s intellectual property (trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, domain names, etc.)
• Identify, assess and manage intellectual property risks
• Review all marketing and advertising language and claims to ensure compliance with FTC regulations and support the product development team to properly substantiate all claims
• Develop and manage the global product development and claims process for compliance with international and state compliance regulations.
• Actively participate in the Company’s research and development process to help ensure that the best inventions and/or innovations are identified and patented
• Manage foreign and domestic trademark clearances and trademark oppositions/cancellation proceedings
• Proactively provide knowledge on industry trends in the management of intellectual property and marketing/advertising regulation.
• Manage global brand-related intellectual property enforcement matters
• Assist outside counsel with intellectual property litigation and disputes
• Manage outside counsel relationships, effectively holding performance to budget
• Develop and train in-house clients on policies, practices and procedures in relevant areas
• Counsel in-house clients on intellectual property matters and assist with related strategy
• Assist with intellectual property due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and divestitures and other projects that involve the Company’s intellectual property
• Assist with other commercial transactions as needed

Minimum Education/ Experience

J.D. degree from nationally-ranked accredited law school; minimum of one active state bar admission

• Minimum 5-7 years relevant experience (demonstrated expertise in advertising, marketing, and/or intellectual property law)

Preferred Education/ Experience

Domestic and international exposure, prior law firm experience.

Specific Skills or Experience Required

• J.D. degree from nationally-ranked accredited law school; minimum of one active state bar admission
• Minimum 5-7 years relevant experience (demonstrated expertise in intellectual property law)
• Domestic and international exposure preferred; prior law firm experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex transactions with multiple, inter-related work streams
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively with colleagues to develop practical solutions for business risks and challenges; ability to deal effectively with strategic issues as well as tactical details
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage people
• Demonstrated sound judgment and business acumen
•  Strong drafting and negotiating skills
• Responsive and service-oriented
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and persuasively to a wide variety of audiences
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimum supervision in a fast-paced environment
• Strong ethics and integrity, with a commitment to maintaining Hanesbrands’ values-based culture
• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

Job Specific Competencies

• Develop and implement long-term strategies for IP protection and management.
• Analyze complex legal issues and provide practical solutions.
• Lead and manage teams effectively.
• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly through excellent verbal and written skills.
• Resolve legal challenges creatively and proactively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Review legal documents meticulously to ensure compliance.
• Adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain high ethical standards and integrity

Core Competencies

• Data Fluency
• Written/verbal communication and listening
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Results orientation
• Adaptability

Core Values

Play to Win - We expect to win, working together to drive results. We push ourselves to simplify and innovate. When we fail, learn from it. We will break with the past when necessary to move forward.

Act Like Owners - We take action. We build relationships across functions so we can see the company holistically and seek out opportunities for improvement. We’re willing to sacrifice in one area if that leads to our overall success.

 Do What’s Right - We behave ethically. We are transparent. We share information about the factors influencing our actions. Our behavior aligns with our values. Our products make the world a better place.

Create Opportunity for All - With success comes opportunity. Everyone is respected and included. We provide opportunities for all associates to reach their Full Potential.

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require now, or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us directly by:

Telephone: 877.999.5553

Email: HBI_TA@hanes.com.