Director of Legal

Who We Are

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At Tillys, we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.

Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.

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Position Summary

The Director of Legal is responsible for leading strategic and tactical legal initiatives. They provide management with effective advice on company strategies, new initiatives and implementation, manage the legal functions, and obtain and oversee the work of the legal team and outside counsel. The Director of Legal is directly involved in complex business transactions and in negotiating critical contracts.

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Key Responsibilities

A typical day may include:

Counseling

• Advise department leaders regarding legal and business matters concerning all aspects of the company’s national operations, Federal and State regulations, employment matters, commercial and lease contracts, complex litigation, licensing, insurance, marketing and e-commerce, capital markets and corporate governance.
• Lead legal team in day-to-day strategy and best practices; seek to drive efficiency and effectiveness of the legal department.
• Identify, investigate, prepare and coordinate plans to remedy potential legal risks areas for the company.
• Participate in the definition and development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters.
• Advise Board of Directors and executive management regarding regulatory and securities matters; change to company structure, corporate transactions, corporate governance; company operations and contingent liabilities, investor relations and litigation. Develop company policies and procedures to ensure proper corporate governance and to accurately reflect current business practices, and provide training as needed.

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Maintenance of Corporate Entities

• Draft minutes and maintain corporate minute book and stockholder records.
• Draft amendments to bylaws and draft resolutions.
• Prepare documents necessary to issue and transfer stock certificates and assist with stock ledger.
• Assist with proxy statement and annual meeting (notices, proxy materials, ballots, affidavits of mailing, and agendas).
• Draft and file notices of changes of officers, directors, and related corporate information in jurisdiction of incorporation and in foreign jurisdictions in which corporation is qualified to transact business.

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SEC

• Draft SEC filings, transaction documents, press releases and corporate records.
• Draft and file Section 16 forms (Form 3, 4 and 5) as well as assist with other SEC reporting requirements (Scheduling 13G, conflict minerals disclosure, etc.) and coordinate with financial printer.

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Litigation Management

• Manage outside counsel, regulatory audits and third-party vendor services to direct strategy and ensure that matters are handled appropriately and efficiently.
• Assist with various litigation and claims (coordinate with outside counsel, legal holds, discovery and ongoing support) as well as maintain claims and litigation log and associated files.
• Ensure issues brought up in litigation are addressed and related processes are improved.
• Draft settlement agreements.
• Negotiate transactions and settlements with third parties.

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Contracts

• Prepare draft contracts; propose alternative text/clauses for vendor contracts as appropriate; negotiate contract terms.
• Advise on conflicts between company and current business partners (i.e. billing, termination and other contract issues).
• Maintain contract approval process and ensure legal, risk management, tax and accounting issues resolved prior to submitting for approval.
• Maintain contract database.
• Create contract clause manual for boilerplate contract language.

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Intellectual Property- Trademarks

• Manage trademark portfolio.
• Perform on-line searches of Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) records, industry databases and general legal research.
• Conduct searches for information regarding trademarks.
• File applications, statements of use, renewal applications, affidavits of use, and assignments.
• Draft responses to PTO actions and oppositions.
• Assist with trademark enforcement

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Qualifications

Your experience brings:

• Ability to remain flexible, re-prioritize and respond to changing demands.
• Recognize and be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders of the organization, fellow employees and the Board of Directors.
• Ability to handle confidential matters.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Proficient in the use of Excel, MS Word and Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to foster and cultivate business opportunities and partnerships.
• Must maintain a good, professional relationship with internal and external parties.
• Give continuous effective feedback as part of the process of improving.
• Remain open and adaptable to change and new challenges for growth.
• Maintain exemplary degree of professionalism with all company employees.
• Independent, self-motived, team player.

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Education & Experience

• Law degree at an accredited U.S. Law School required.
• Current license to practice law.
• Admittance to the California Bar.
• 3+ years of experience in management/supervisory role.
• 5+ years of prior legal experience in a well-regarded law firm or in-house legal department.
• Previous experience in a similar role in a public company, retail/or restaurant preferred.
• Experience in SEC reporting preferred.
• Investor Relations experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

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Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Occasionally lift/move up to 20 lbs. and navigate stairs
• Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
• Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities

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Leadership & Team Development: 

As a leader at Tillys, you are expected to set the tone for your team through integrity, inclusion, and a solutions-oriented mindset. We look for individuals who lead by example, inspire collaboration, and consistently align team performance with company goals. Leaders are empowered to mentor talent, drive operational excellence, and cultivate a culture rooted in proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset.

Tillys supports ongoing leadership development through hands-on learning, cross-functional exposure, and advancement opportunities tailored to individual growth paths

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Compensation

Annual Range: $175K- $200K

Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

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What to Expect

Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.

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Work Location: Irvine, CA — Full-time in-office.

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Why Join Tillys?

At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.

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Perks & Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
• Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
• Employee Discount – In-store and online
• Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
• Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
• Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
• Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats

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Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring

Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.

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Other Considerations

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.