Associate Corporate Counsel

SanMar-Internal; Issaquah (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k plan with company match

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Pet insurance

Job summary

SanMar-Internal is seeking an Associate Corporate Counsel in Issaquah, WA. In this role, you will be responsible for drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, providing strategic legal guidance, and managing legal support for multiple business units.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor, 4-6 years of legal experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of professional legal experience as an attorney.
• Licensed Attorney in good standing with applicable state bar(s).
• In-house counsel experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial transactions.
• Serve as primary legal point of contact for multiple business units.
• Oversee and mentor legal support staff.

Skills

Commercial contract negotiation

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Fast-paced environment adaptability

Relationship building

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Contract lifecycle management systems

Job description

What's the Short Version?

The Associate Corporate Counsel is a key legal partner to multiple business units, drafts and negotiates commercial agreements, and helps balance legal risk with business objectives. They play a critical role in supporting our continued growth and commercial success.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial transactions including partnerships, licensing agreements, manufacturing agreements, distribution agreements, master service agreements, and vendor/supplier agreements.
• Serve as the primary legal point of contact for multiple business units, providing strategic legal guidance and commercial counsel.
• Oversee and mentor legal support staff on routine and ordinary‑course contracting matters.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with business teams to identify legal risks and develop practical solutions that support business objectives.
• Assist with product safety and regulatory compliance matters, including applicable federal and state consumer product requirements.
• Monitor and communicate relevant regulatory developments affecting the company's business.
• Manage outside counsel relationships and coordinate on matters requiring specialized legal support.
• Manage contract lifecycle processes and maintain organized contract management systems.
• Develop and implement standardized contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines.
• Support compliance initiatives and risk management programs as they relate to commercial operations.
• Provide legal training and guidance to business stakeholders on contract terms and commercial legal matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

What Are We Looking For?

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• 4-6 years of professional legal experience as an attorney.
• Licensed Attorney (varies by state)
• Active membership in good standing with applicable state bar(s)
• Strong experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts and transactions
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Collaborative approach with ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization
• In‑house counsel experience, particularly in corporate or commercial roles, is a plus
• Law firm experience focused on commercial transactions and business law is a plus
• Exposure to trade compliance, customs, supply chain, or regulatory matters is a plus
• Experience in apparel, retail, wholesale, consumer products, e-commerce, or related industries preferred
• Knowledge of intellectual property, marketing, advertising, and regulatory compliance matters preferred
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems and legal technology tools preferred

What's Our Offer?

Salary Range: You’ll earn between $140,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on experience.

Bonus: You’ll be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 15% of base salary.

Paid Time Off: You’ll accrue paid time off on a bi-weekly basis based on hours worked up to 152 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.

Additional Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability coverage
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pet insurance

What Should You Expect?

Office: SanMar's Eastpointe office is located in Issaquah, WA in the Seattle metropolitan area. Our standard working hours are 8:00-5:00 PST. Periodic travel may be required. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while working on a computer and participating in virtual and in-person meetings. Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and standard office equipment is required. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching may be needed to attend meetings or collaborate in an office setting. The role requires the ability to perform close visual work on a computer for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10–15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.