Senior Lead Counsel, Global Intellectual Property

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to lead strategic advising and legal counsel to Walmart’s global business teams on all aspects of intellectual property (IP), including trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names, IP transactions and licensing, and the Company’s open-source program. This person will serve as the senior legal leader for Walmart’s global IP function, setting strategy, prioritizing risk, and aligning IP initiatives with Walmart’s business objectives. Lead and develop a high-performing team of attorneys and paralegals supporting IP matters worldwide, and act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders and cross functional stakeholders.

Requirements

Broad experience across intellectual property disciplines, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, open source and IP transactions.
Demonstrated success leading and developing teams of attorneys and legal professionals in a complex, global organization.
Ability to excel at building relationships and working effectively with a diverse group of internal clients, business partners, and stakeholders across cultures and geographies.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and executive presence skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
Ability to be diplomatic, pragmatic, and solution oriented, with sound judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
Comfort operating in fast paced environments and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to simplify and explain nuanced legal concepts in a clear, actionable way.
A collaborative mindset and a bias toward thoughtful action and continuous improvement.
Law degree from an accredited law school and 7 years’ experience in law.
License to practice law in at least one state.
4 years’ experience leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage a global team of intellectual property attorneys and paralegals, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and operational excellence.
Direct and implement global IP strategy for trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names, transactions and open-source compliance across Walmart’s businesses.
Serve as the primary point of contact for complex, high risk, or high visibility IP matters, bringing together internal legal partners and business stakeholders as needed.
Partner closely with senior business leaders to understand product, brand, technology, and digital initiatives, and ensuring IP strategy supports innovation, growth, and risk management.
Translate complex or highly specialized IP concepts into clear, practical guidance for executive leadership and non-legal audiences.
Oversee IP transactions and licensing activities, including inbound and outbound licenses, collaborations, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
Establish and maintain governance for trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and domain name portfolios on a global scale.
Set strategy and oversee Walmart’s open-source program, including policy development, risk assessment, and compliance.
Manage and supervise outside counsel and service providers to ensure high quality, cost effective legal support aligned with Walmart’s strategic priorities.
Work cross functionally with legal, compliance, tech, and business teams, both global and domestic, to deliver practical, solution-oriented outcomes.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Performance-based bonus awards
Medical coverage
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
401(k)
Stock purchase
Company-paid life insurance
PTO (including sick leave)
Parental leave
Family care leave
Bereavement
Jury duty
Voting
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.)