Product Safety & Incident Response Counsel

Major, Lindsey & Africa’s Interim Legal Talent group has an immediate need for an interim Product Safety & Incident Response Counsel .

Overview: Major, Lindsey & Africa is seeking an experienced Product Safety & Incident Response Counsel to serve as a strategic legal advisor across strategic business units. The attorney will provide counsel on product safety, liability risk management, regulatory compliance, recalls, and incident response matters involving consumer electronics, software-enabled technologies, AI-driven products, and connected devices. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, this individual will proactively identify risks, manage regulatory interactions, and support compliance throughout the product development lifecycle. This highly visible role requires strong business judgment and the ability to deliver practical, risk-based advice in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.

Company: Global manufacturer that designs, produces, and engineers connected products for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide

Experience: 8+ years of combined law firm and in-house experience advising global manufacturing organizations on product safety, product liability risk, regulatory compliance, and incident response matters.

Location: Hybrid, onsite 3 days/week at one of the following locations: Novi, MI; Northridge, CA; Sunnyvale, CA; Richardson, TX; or Stamford, CT.

Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Product Liability and Regulatory Counsel

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to cross-functional product teams across Strategic Business Units (SBUs) on global product liability, safety, and consumer protection laws
Provide guidance on traditional and emerging product liability risks, including hardware-based products, battery-powered consumer electronics, and integrated software-enabled technologies
Advise on evolving legal frameworks that expand product liability exposure to software, AI-enabled features, and connected technologies, including developments under the EU Product Liability Directive and similar global reforms
Counsel business teams on compliance with key regulatory frameworks, including U.S. federal and state product safety laws, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements, and EU product safety and liability requirements
Monitor and interpret emerging regulatory trends affecting AI, software-defined products, battery safety, and connected devices, and proactively communicate legal risk considerations to stakeholders

Product Liability Management and Incident Response

Support global product liability risk management strategies, including proactive risk assessments and mitigation planning
Provide legal guidance in connection with product safety assessments, investigations, corrective actions, and recall considerations
Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counsel in managing product-related claims, regulatory inquiries, and disputes
Advise on warranty, indemnification, and related risk allocation issues in collaboration with commercial and supply chain teams

Product Safety & Liability Advisory in Product Development

Collaborate with legal teams to provide legal and regulatory guidance throughout the product development lifecycle, including the review of new technologies, features, and product initiatives
Advise on product safety and compliance requirements, including labeling, warnings, testing, certifications, and consumer protection obligations
Collect and incorporate insights from regulatory investigations, product safety assessments, recall planning, product security matters, and emerging regulatory developments, including AI compliance requirements, and communicate relevant findings to stakeholders

Compliance Support

Support the development of policies and procedures related to product safety and consumer protection
Monitor global regulatory developments and update internal guidance to reflect changes in product liability, AI regulation, and consumer protection laws

Supply Chain & Contract Review

Draft and negotiate commercial agreements with regulatory implications, including supply chain transparency, warranty language, and vendor compliance requirements

Qualifications Include:

J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed to practice in the U.S.; and in good standing with at least one state bar
8+ years of combined law firm and in-house experience advising global manufacturing organizations on product safety, product liability, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and incident response matters
Technical understanding of the relevant product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to manufacturing, distribution, and end-user usage
Working knowledge of audio products and battery power mechanics is a huge bonus
Experience managing incident response matters, regulatory investigations, and information requests
Experience with reviewing and negotiating supplier and vendor agreements, third-party licenses, end-user agreements, and royalty and license disputes (including audits and settlement agreements)
Knowledge of regulatory standards that are relevant to the assigned division, consumer protection laws, and industry certifications
Awareness of emerging technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), AI, wearables, and smart home devices, and how they may impact product design, regulation, and liability
Experience with managing customer claims and warranties, including creating and managing product warranty programs and refund policies and handling product disputes
Strong analytic and project management skills
Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple stakeholders
Good judgment and sound decision-making

Information regarding benefits can be found on MLA’s Website on the Consultant Resources Page:  https://www.mlaglobal.com/en/consultant-resources

All interested and qualified candidates should apply directly with Major, Lindsey & Africa for review and consideration.
Major, Lindsey & Africa does not discriminate against applications on the basis of age, sex, race or any other protected characteristics pursuant to applicable state or federal laws.

Bullhorn Job ID: 261897
Pay Rate: $100