Associate Legal Counsel / Senior Paralegal

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Sun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Its technology and IP pursuits include one of the world’s leading fruit breeding/genetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks, and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting our global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary table grape varieties, stone fruit, mangoes, avocado, and citrus, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 17 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity. We are growing, come and join us!

Position Summary:

We are seeking an energetic Associate Legal Counsel / Senior Paralegal to support our efforts in China. This role will report directly to the VP of Legal in the U.S, and ensure legal compliance, assist with commercial and IP contracts, and act as a local legal liaison. This is a permanent position.

Location: Hainan Province, China

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Compliance & Representation

• Act as the local legal representative for Sun World China, ensuring compliance with Chinese laws and regulations.
• Maintain and update company legal documents (e.g., business licenses, filings).
• Liaise with local authorities (CNIPA, MARA, SAMR, AIC, etc.) as needed.

2. Contract Drafting & Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts (supplier agreements, NDAs, service contracts, etc.) in compliance with Chinese law.
• Assist with IP-related contracts (licensing, trademark filings, patent agreements).
• Ensure contracts are China-centric, accounting for local legal requirements and enforcement.

3. Intellectual Property (IP) Support

• Work with VP and outside IP counsel to file and maintain trademarks, utility patents, PVP and copyrights in China.
• Monitor and mitigate IP infringement risks.
• Be a local contact for surveillance and litigation
• Advise on data privacy (PIPL) and cybersecurity compliance.

4. Internal Legal Support

• Provide preliminary legal guidance to internal teams (HR, Finance, Operations) on China-specific matters.
• Assist with dispute resolution and litigation coordination (if necessary).
• Strong research practices
• Excellent writing ability
• Conduct legal research on regulatory changes affecting the business

Requirements:

Attorney

-University degree in Law

-Passed National Judicial Exam and have completed a one-year internship (ideally with an internationally focused or Intellectual Property-focused firm or corporation)

-Legal Practice Certificate

- The candidate must be fluent in both English and Mandarin (verbal and written) and have a strong understanding of Chinese corporate and IP law.

-OR-

Paralegal

-University degree in Law along with 2 – 5 years’ experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in a law firm of corporate legal department

-Strong understanding of Chinese legal systems, especially civil, commercial, and administrative law

-The candidate must be fluent in both English and Mandarin (verbal and written) and have a strong understanding of Chinese corporate and IP law.

Work schedule: Hybrid