General Counsel

General Counsel

Location: Dubai

Reports to: COO

About Sumwon Studios

Sumwon Studios is building the next generation of global fashion brands - fast, digitally native, and culturally relevant. With deep roots in product, process, and performance - and supported by SHEIN’s world-class infrastructure - we’re redefining what it means to build and scale brand-led businesses in the on-demand era.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded General Counsel to join our team as the first in-house legal hire. This role will focus on brand acquisitions, licensing, and legal matters relating to retail and fashion groups, while also playing a pivotal role in preparing the company for an eventual public listing (IPO). The successful candidate will provide strategic legal support across the full lifecycle of brand acquisitions and partnerships, while also establishing the legal frameworks, governance, and compliance systems necessary for a listed company.

Key Responsibilities

M&A and Brand Acquisitions

• Lead and support legal due diligence processes for brand and business acquisitions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, and related transaction documents.
• Advise on corporate structuring, risk allocation, and integration of acquired brands.

Licensing & Commercial Agreements

• Draft, review, and negotiate licensing agreements for retail and fashion brands (franchise, distribution, agency, and collaboration deals).
• Manage intellectual property (IP) issues, including brand protection, trademark licensing, and enforcement.
• Provide guidance on supplier, distribution, and commercial contracts within the retail/fashion sector.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with corporate, commercial, and consumer protection laws across relevant jurisdictions.
• Provide legal input on advertising, marketing, data protection, and e-commerce activities.
• Advise on competition law considerations relating to acquisitions and distribution.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with senior management, finance, and commercial teams to align legal strategy with business goals.
• Coordinate and manage external counsel where required.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team on all legal risks associated with retail and brand acquisitions.

IPO & Corporate Governance

• Prepare the company for IPO readiness, ensuring legal structures, corporate governance frameworks, and compliance programs are in place.
• Advise leadership on securities regulations, listing rules, and disclosure requirements.
• Coordinate with investment banks, auditors, and external counsel throughout the IPO process.
• Draft and review corporate policies, shareholder agreements, and board governance documents.

What you’ll bring

• Qualified lawyer with 7-10 years PQE (common law jurisdiction preferred).
• Proven experience in M&A, corporate transactions, and licensing, ideally within retail, fashion, luxury, or consumer sectors.
• Strong knowledge of intellectual property law and commercial agreements.
• Track record of negotiating complex cross-border transactions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Business-oriented, with the ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Proactive and commercially minded.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• A passion for fashion, retail, and brand development is highly advantageous.

What we'll bring

• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after your first year
• 30% employee discount across all SUMWON STUDIOS brands
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Company social events
• The coolest colleagues you can find

Why Join Us?

SUMWON STUDIOS is redefining fast fashion with a forward-thinking approach. Join a creative, ambitious team, and help us build a brand that resonates.