Director, Litigation Counsel

Newell Brands Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands seeks a Director, Litigation Counsel to lead strategic and practical handling of disputes across product liability, IP, commercial, and insurance matters. You will manage significant matters independently, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and supervise outside counsel in a fast-paced global setting.

The role requires a JD, active US state bar admission (GA eligibility for in-house practice), and 5–7 years of relevant litigation experience, including first chair exposure.

Qualifications

• JD required and bar admission in at least one US state.
• 5–7 years of relevant litigation experience with first chair trial exposure.
• Experience managing litigation budgets and outside counsel.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage pre-suit claims, investigations, discovery, and lawsuits.
• Direct and supervise outside counsel on litigation matters.
• Establish budgets, forecasts, accruals, and review outside counsel invoices to promote efficiency and value.
• Work with business counterparts to identify legal risk in pre-litigation and disputes.
• Advise on compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Develop and deliver legal training on risk management and investigations.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Negotiation

Legal writing

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Your Role

As Director, Litigation Counsel, you will provide strategic, practical and business-oriented advice regarding a broad range of disputes and litigation matters affecting the Company. The role includes responsibility for or proactive management of litigation and claims in the following areas: product liability, class action, intellectual property, commercial, and insurance coverage. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, collaborative, proactive attorney who exercises sound judgment, communicates clearly with legal and non-legal audiences, and is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed, and global organization. This role requires the ability to manage significant matters independently, manage and strategize with outside legal counsel, and serve as a practical and trusted adviser to the business.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Proactive, day-to-day management of pre-suit claims, investigations, discovery (including third-party) and lawsuits.
• Direct and supervise outside counsel on litigation matters.
• Establish and monitor budgets, forecasts and accruals, and review outside counsel invoices to promote predictability, efficiency, and value.
• Work directly with business counterparts to identify legal risk and issues raised in pre-litigation, disputes, or other claim related matters.
• Advise stakeholders concerning compliance with legal requirements related to all types of legal matters, utilizing knowledge of legal precedents and company policies.
• Participate in and support other legal matters and activities, including contract review and negotiation, commercial, advertising and regulatory advice, and product safety, as required.
• Develop and deliver legal training related to risk management, document preservation, privilege, investigations, and other relevant risk areas.
• Provide regular reporting on litigation and relevant risk matters to key stakeholders and third parties.
• Provide advice and counseling to the legal department and key stakeholders on risk management related issues.
• Support the product safety team on regulatory issues and reporting as required.
• Review and analyze coverage available under insurance programs
• Contribute to Legal Department initiatives, including process improvement, knowledge management, technology adoption and other projects that advance departmental and Company objectives. Fluency in AI tools required.

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar and eligibility to provide legal services in Georgia as in-house counsel under applicable law and professional-conduct rules.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant litigation experience with recognized law firm.
• Substantial experience handling and directly managing complex litigation. Experience in products liability litigation is required. First chair trial experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage litigated matters, litigation budgets, and multiple competing matters with limited supervision.
• Strong legal research, analytical, negotiation, drafting and oral-advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated interest in litigation, including a passion for case development and litigation strategy.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and business clients.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.