Job Title: Legal Associate
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Reports To: Head of HR + Operations
Remote if outside of greater LA area, otherwise Hybrid (2-3 days per week in office)
High-growth startup with offices in Los Angeles and Miami is seeking a Legal Associate. Seeking a dedicated Legal Associate to join our client's team, focusing on compliance, licensing, and regulatory matters.
Specializing in the distribution of cigars and tobacco leaf products, our client is known for delivering innovative products, exceptional experiences, and the highest quality rolling products on the market. With operations across the US and subsidiaries in Latin America, the company currently has a team of 25+ members and 1200+ employees in its subsidiaries.
Position Overview:
Legal Associate with a strong background in compliance and licensing to support legal and regulatory efforts. This role is ideal for someone experienced in working within highly regulated industries like tobacco, alcohol, or similar sectors. The successful candidate will ensure the company's adherence to all relevant regulations, assist in securing and maintaining licenses, and support legal matters related to compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Qualifications:
- BS in Law or similar degree
- 2+ years of experience in compliance, licensing, or regulatory law, ideally within highly regulated industries (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, or similar)
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, especially with agencies like the FDA (for tobacco)
- Licensing experience a must
- Familiarity with tax regulations related to Licensing
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Ability to handle audit requirements and maintain accurate records
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience and/or knowledge of compliance in California and Florida
- International experience would be preferred, but not a must
Responsibilities:
- Licensing Management: Manage and maintain tobacco licensing compliance across applicable states. You do not need to be familiar with the requirements for all 50 states but must be able to research and manage licenses as needed.
- Tax Compliance: Understand how licensing impacts tax obligations and ensure accurate tax filings related to tobacco sales.
- Audit Coordination: Monitor audit requirements for tobacco licensing and ensure all necessary documentation is in place for regular audits.
- Office Space Compliance: Ensure office space meets legal and regulatory requirements for housing and storing tobacco products.
- Tobacco-related laws: Stay updated on changes in tobacco-related laws, particularly those impacting licensing and compliance. Ensure the company remains compliant with local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations.
- Cross collaboration: Collaborate with internal departments (ie. operations) to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory management: Manage correspondence with regulatory agencies, including the preparation and submission of required reports and documentation.
Benefits:
- Work in a dynamic and evolving industry
- A supportive and collaborative work environment that values integrity and respect
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance
- Remote role if located outside of greater LA area OR Hybrid schedule (2-3X per week onsite) if located in greater LA area