Staff Counsel, Trademarks and Brand Protection
Job Summary:
The Staff Attorney – Trademark & Brand Protection will support Walgreens’ efforts to protect and strengthen its brand portfolio across retail, digital, and private label channels. This role will assist in managing Walgreens’ trademarks, supporting clearance and prosecution activities, and providing day-to-day legal guidance to marketing and business teams.
This position is ideal for an early-career attorney seeking to build expertise in trademark law within a dynamic, consumer-facing environment, while working closely with experienced in-house counsel and outside advisors.
Why This Role Matters at Walgreens
Walgreens’ brands are critical to its success across retail and pharmacy services. This role provides foundational legal support to ensure that:- Brand assets are protected and properly used
- Business teams receive practical, timely legal guidance
- Trademark matters are handled efficiently and with strong oversight
Key Responsibilities
1. Trademark Portfolio Support- Assist in management of Walgreens’ domestic and international trademark portfolio, including filings, maintenance, and renewals.
- Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches and support preparation of risk assessments.
- Coordinate with outside counsel on trademark prosecution and administrative matters.
- Maintain and update trademark records and internal tracking systems.
2. Brand Protection & Enforcement- Support monitoring efforts to identify potential trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized brand use.
- Assist with drafting cease-and-desist letters and enforcement-related correspondence.
- Help coordinate enforcement actions with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
- Monitor online platforms and marketplaces for brand misuse.
3. Marketing & Brand Advisory Support- Provide support in reviewing proposed brand names, slogans, packaging and marketing materials.
- Partner with supervising attorneys to deliver timely, practical guidance to marketing, merchandising, and digital teams.
- Assist in advising on trademark usage and brand compliance guidelines and associated internal trainings.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work cross-functionally with:
- Marketing and brand teams
- Digital/eCommerce teams
- Merchandising and private label teams
- Participate in internal meetings to support brand-related initiatives and product launches.
6. Outside Counsel Coordination- Assist in managing outside counsel for trademark matters, including tracking matters, invoices, and deadlines.
- Support efforts to ensure cost-effective and timely service delivery.
Job Responsibilities:- Builds professional experience and learns the practical aspects of applied law, as well as learning the functions of the business.
- May review legal documents and identify legal and business issues for more senior law professionals.
- Assists on cases, undertakes research, reviews standard documents and routine contracts, and prepares routine filings.
- Position typically reports to the managing attorney.
- Recognizes the limitations of own knowledge and seeks guidance from more senior law professionals as necessary.
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
Basic Qualifications
- Recent admission to the bar and or otherwise lawfully permitted to practice law pursuant to State law or Illinois Supreme Court rules.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to intellectual property, trademark or advertising law
- Law firm, clerkship, or in-house experience considered
- Exposure to trademark searching tools and docketing systems
- Interest in retail, pharmacy, and consumer brands
- Familiarity with social media and digital marketing environments
- Internship or coursework focused on intellectual property
Key Competencies- Foundational Trademark Knowledge: Basic understanding of trademark law, clearance, and prosecution processes
- Learning Agility: Strong interest in developing expertise in trademark and brand protection
- Attention to Detail: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with accuracy
- Communication Skills: Clear, concise written and verbal communication
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior attorneys
- Judgment: Willingness to seek guidance while developing independent decision-making skills
We will consider employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Salary Range: $102800 - $164400 / Salaried
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