Counsel, North America

About the role

The Counsel, North America will join a highly motivated legal team to provide legal advice and support to all Estée Lauder brands operating in the North America region, focusing on retailers, distributors, consumers, and salons.

Key responsibilities

• Advise and counsel all levels within the North America team and Aveda business, including senior leadership, on critical legal issues and potential solutions.
• Structure, draft, negotiate, and review commercial contracts such as retailer, distribution, amenities, pure‑play e‑commerce, and franchising agreements.
• Develop and improve operational processes to increase work efficiency.
• Collaborate with legal and business subject‑matter experts on cross‑functional projects.
• Assist with due diligence for potential acquisitions and integration of newly acquired brands.
• Support litigation matters related to commercial activity.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree; licensed or eligible to practice in New York.
• 8+ years of experience, including law firm work and preferably in‑house counsel experience.
• Fluent in written and conversational English.
• Strong strategic and creative thinking, excellent legal and business judgment, and high discretion.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven transactional drafting and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize workload, adapt to changing conditions, and work in a complex matrixed environment.
• Experience in the cosmetics or consumer products industry is desirable but not required.

Required skills

What we offer

• Base salary range: $154,000 – $264,750 per year (depending on experience, skills, education, and budget).