Business and Legal Affairs Associate

About Schumacher

Schumacher & Co. is an innovative interior design company that is disrupting the $150 billion-dollar global interior design industry. We are a technological leader on the design frontier, constantly pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. With over 500+ employees and growing, we are driven by a shared belief that design transforms life. We are dedicated to the mission of helping our customers “celebrate the feeling of home”. Schumacher designs and produces some of the most beautiful fabrics, wallcoverings, trims, furniture, and accessories in the world. Our portfolio of products is broad, but they are united by a passion for design, a thirst for what is next, an appreciation for what’s come before, a drive to make our products with enormous care and an attention for detail. Schumacher is a globally recognized company with a myriad of showrooms both domestically and internationally.

Our competitive advantage is our people. We are guided by our core values.  At F. Schumacher WE ARE:

• Problem-Solvers Who Bring Answers: We don’t just spot issues, you show up with smart options and creative fixes.
• Drivers of Momentum: We keep projects moving and people aligned.
• Impact-Makers: We measure success in real outcomes.
• Clear, Confident Communicators: We share updates early, flag risks fast, and make sure your team and manager are never in the dark.
• Leaders Without Titles: We influence through credibility and collaboration, not hierarchy.
• Teammates Who Elevate the Whole: We make your peers better by sharing context, knowledge, and tools.
• Financially Savvy Operators: We care about accuracy, efficiency, and results.

This role sits within Schumacher North America, the largest division of the company.

About The Role

Schumacher & Co.’s Legal and Business Affairs Team is looking for a detail-oriented go-getter to join our team as a Business and Legal Affairs Associate. In this role, you’ll handle a variety of commercial contracts, vendor agreements, real estate leases, intellectual property management and business development partnerships. You will collaborate with all brands of FS&CO and many teams, including Design, Creative Partnerships, Expansion, People & Organization, Finished Goods & Furniture, Finance & Accounting, and many business leaders and executives. This position requires the ability to work quickly and wear many hats, juggling projects and people to meet deadlines and company goals in our fun, fast-paced environment. The role is full-time and hybrid, with approximately three days per week spent at our office in SoHo, New York City.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and provide concise summaries to internal stakeholders on topics including corporate governance, intellectual property, real estate leases, employment law, compliance, and data security and privacy
• Review and assist in negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements like NDAs, vendor contracts, and licensing and marketing deals.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle within “Finquery”, our contracts management platform, from organization and compliance tracking to renewal and performance reporting, tracking details like key dates, obligations, and deliverables
• File design copyright submissions online with the US Copyright Office
• Partner with Creative Partnerships to manage and maintain our collaboration and licensing, distribution and agent partnerships
• Coordinate with outside counsel to manage and maintain FS&CO’s trademark portfolio
• Partner with our Finance Team and corporate services agency to maintain business licenses and company registrations
• Monitor the legal budget by reviewing and submitting invoices
• Assist in real estate ventures for our ever-opening showrooms
• Help develop and refine internal policies and training materials

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an esteemed college/university
• 2-4 years of experience in a legal and/or business affairs role
• Familiarity with commercial contracts
• Exceptional organizational skills and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on assigned tasks in a timely manner
• You excel at drafting and organizing, with attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free work
• You communicate and present effectively, building trust and strong relationships with other teams, external partners, and outside legal counsel
• You are confident, driven, and eager to take whatever opportunities come your way!
• You thrive in collaborative environments while appreciating the dynamics of a small team
• You can independently get things done, communicate effectively throughout the process, and proactively seek support when needed without overstepping or falling behind
• Passion for design, creativity, and the luxury lifestyle space is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, and Word) and experience in document management applications