Assistant General Counsel

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world famous brand with offices across the globe. Within Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s ("FMIC") Legal department, we serve as strategic partners to the business, protecting and advancing our iconic brand and intellectual property while supporting our global operations.

An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument, it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for a seasoned and pragmatic Assistant General Counsel to join Fenders Global Legal team.  This role will report directly to the general counsel.  Preferably, this role will be based in Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ or Los Angeles, CA.  Consideration for remote work may be given for the right candidate.

This is an exciting opportunity for a business-minded attorney with expertise in commercial law, intellectual property, and employment matters, especially within global, brand-driven manufacturing environments.  The role provides critical legal support across Fender’s global operations and will involve close collaboration with cross-functional teams, leadership, and outside counsel. If you're a practical problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative culture, this is the role for you.

Essential Functions:

Intellectual Property

• Manage Fender’s global trademark and patent portfolios, including strategy, clearance, prosecution, enforcement, and disputes
• Lead anti-counterfeiting and brand protection efforts across key markets in coordination with internal teams and external counsel
• Support product teams in identifying and securing protection for innovations

Commercial Contracts & Operations

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements (vendor, distribution, manufacturing, licensing, technology, artist, marketing)
• Serve as legal partner to Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, IT, and Operations, aligning legal guidance with business strategy

Employment & Litigation

• Advise HR on U.S. and international employment law matters, including investigations, terminations, policy development, and compliance
• Manage employment-related litigation and administrative claims, including coordination with outside counsel

Product & Regulatory Compliance

• Provide counsel on regulatory compliance for consumer products (safety, labeling, environmental regulations, sustainability)
• Partner with Product, Quality, and Compliance teams to ensure compliance across global markets

Privacy, Data Security & Compliance

• Advise on data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) and support internal policy compliance and incident response
• Collaborate with IT and Security teams to maintain data protection standards
• Support global compliance programs, including anti-corruption, export controls, and supply chain transparency

Corporate Governance & Risk Management

• Assist with corporate governance, entity management, and enterprise risk mitigation initiatives
• Translate legal risks into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with the General Counsel to align legal strategies with business goals

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited U.S. law school; active bar membership and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 8+ years of legal experience, including both law firm and in-house roles, ideally within consumer products, manufacturing, or entertainment sectors
• Deep experience in:
  • Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
  • Managing trademark and patent portfolios globally
  • S. and international employment law and litigation
  • Regulatory and product compliance for consumer goods
• Strong understanding of global data privacy and compliance frameworks (GDPR, CCPA)
• Ability to work cross-functionally, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, business-oriented mindset

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Presonus®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position.  “Pay scale” means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive.  The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.  If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work.  Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $165,000.00 - $185,000.00