Legal Counsel (M/F/D)

About Yepoda

Clean K-Beauty Innovation. No compromises.

Yepoda is a clean K-Beauty brand that actually proves it works. We make Korean skincare without any of the compromises. Everything is clinically tested, 100% vegan, and formulated above EU standards. So you get the innovation and the results that K-Beauty is known for, plus a real commitment to sustainability. And we make it genuinely fun and easy to use — skincare you actually look forward to.

Founded in 2020 by Sander Joonyoung van Bladel and Veronika Strotmann, Yepoda is a certified B Corp™ and 1% for the Planet member, based in the heart of Berlin. Our products are available through our own online shop and, since March 2025, at Sephora Europe — online and in over 650 stores. With a team of 140+ brilliant individuals from around the world, we are actively shaping Yepoda's story every day.

As our first in-house Legal Counsel, you will be a trusted business partner across the whole organisation.

Your Tasks

• Providing pragmatic, commercially sound legal advice across all business areas, including e-commerce, marketing, product, supply chain, and HR.

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of contracts, including supplier agreements, distribution contracts, agency agreements, NDAs, and influencer/creator agreements.

• Managing and advising on data protection matters (GDPR), working closely with our Data Protection Officer and external counsel where needed.

• Supporting the company on corporate law matters, including equity compensation programmes and corporate governance.

• Monitoring and advising on regulatory developments relevant to our business, including product compliance, labelling requirements, and EU cosmetics regulations.

• Handling IP matters, including trademark registrations, enforcement actions, and licensing agreements.

• Managing relationships with external law firms, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality support.

• Proactively identifying legal risks and developing scalable processes, templates, and guidelines to protect the business as we grow.

• Supporting M&A activity, fundraising, and investor-related matters as required.

Your Profile

• You hold a fully qualified German legal degree (Volljurist/in, 2. Staatsexamen) or an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction.

• You have 7+ years of professional experience, with a solid foundation gained at a reputable law firm, ideally complemented by first in-house experience at a startup, scale-up, or consumer company.

• You have a broad commercial law background and are comfortable working across multiple legal disciplines simultaneously.

• You bring experience in contract law, GDPR/data protection, and IP – experience in e-commerce, consumer goods, or retail is a strong plus.

• You are a self-starter who is comfortable operating as a generalist in a fast-paced environment with limited external support.

• You have excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear, business-friendly way.

• You are pragmatic, solution-oriented, and understand that great legal counsel enables the business rather than slows it down.

• You are fluent in both German and English (written and spoken) – our working language is English.

What We Offer

• Dynamic Environment: The opportunity to work in a start-up environment surrounded by a passionate and dedicated team.

• Accelerate Your Career: Take on responsibility from day 1, with room for professional growth and advancement as the company continues to expand.

• Inspiring Workspace: Located in the heart of Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg, a dog-friendly office, with free drinks and snacks.

• Hybrid Working: We understand that sometimes you get more stuff done from home and need a change of scenery.

• We Value Diversity: We seek to build an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all different backgrounds. A welcoming, international, dedicated team with flat hierarchies and trust by default.

• Employee Discounts: You’ll get to enjoy the Yepoda products at a discount and share it with friends and family to keep your glow going!

• Unique add-ons: Enjoy an Urban Sports membership package to help you stay active and healthy.

Would you like to be part of the team? Then we'd love to hear from you! 🫰

Make sure to apply by clicking on the “Apply for this job” button below. Please upload your CV and Cover Letter in English language. Our Talent Acquisition team will review your application and get back to you as soon as possible.

At Yepoda we are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.