Cirrus · 22 hours ago
Director Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property and Operations
Duluth, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
7+ years expCirrus is a recognized global leader in personal aviation, and they are seeking a Corporate Counsel specializing in intellectual property and general corporate law. The role involves drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, managing legal matters related to intellectual property, and providing legal advice to support business operations.
Air TransportationIn-Flight EntertainmentService Industry
Responsibilities
Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements and contracts, including supply/procurement agreements
Lead, mentor and manage one attorney, who will directly support Cirrus’s procurement teams in both direct and indirect sourcing
Develop and implement intellectual property strategies tailored for product development and technology initiatives, including advising senior management on patent matters and freedom-to-operate matters while driving internal education initiatives related to intellectual property
Lead invention review board meetings
Manage Cirrus’ global trademark, copyright, and domain portfolios, and provide counsel on the selection of trademarks, trademark clearance, and trademark oppositions and disputes
Collaborate with outside counsel on drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent and trademark applications globally
Provide high-quality, pragmatic, and proactive legal advice and service with a focus on the general aviation industry, including providing counsel on FAA rules and regulations
Organize, enable, and drive other Legal Department continuous improvement projects with minimal supervision and conduct legal research as necessary to support the Legal Department’s initiatives
Assist with the management and support of litigation and claims matters, including product liability litigation, intellectual property, and commercial litigation and discovery/e-discovery activities associated with each
Target, develop, and manage the Legal Department’s monetization and revenue generation support activities and strategic initiatives with key stakeholders
Monitor and maintain current knowledge of aviation industry trends in legal and compliance matters and pursuing ongoing professional development to maintain current knowledge on best practices and risk management
Regular, reliable, and predictable onsite attendance
Willingness to step outside your comfort zone and enter new areas of law
Travel requirements estimated at 5%
Qualification
Required
J.D. with excellent academic credentials
Current attorney licensed and in good standing in at least one state with the ability to become licensed to practice law in Minnesota or in-house counsel waiver through Minnesota Rule 10
7 years of Intellectual Property and Transactional law experience (preferably a portion of which gained in an in-house corporate setting)
Proven negotiation, drafting and analytical skills for various types of commercial contracts. Must be a skilled writer and drafter with a steadfast attention-to-detail
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Strong oral and written communications, presentation, and facilitation skills. Must interact confidently, persuasively and diplomatically with all levels of Cirrus organization. Must also be a good listener
Prior general aviation legal experience
Prior hands-on intellectual property experience
Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, prioritize workflow, meet demanding deadlines, manage multi-faceted projects in a fast-paced environment, and be comfortable with minimal supervision
Preferred
A background that incorporates a mixture of law firm and in-house experience is preferred, as is specialty experience in corporate law, and intellectual property
Prior in-house corporate experience
Benefits
401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
Generous PTO: 200 hours accrued within the first year.
Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.
Company
Cirrus
Cirrus Aircraft is the global leader in personal aviation.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2024-07-12IPO
Leadership Team
Patrick Waddick
President, Innovation & Operations
Recent News
Business Wire
2026-01-06
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