Jen DeMarco

Empower Legal provides strategic and fractional general counsel services to growth-stage, product-led businesses navigating complex commercial and regulatory decisions. Act as outside general counsel to startups and growth-stage companies, advising on commercial contracts, product development, regulatory risk, and operational strategy Lead structuring and negotiation of SaaS agreements, including MSAs, Terms of Service, and customer-facing contracts Advise on scaling legal infrastructure for subscription-based and platform businesses, including liability allocation, data considerations, and payment flows I partner with founders and leadership teams to pressure-test product, marketing, and operational decisions early — helping companies design the right legal and compliance foundation so risk doesn’t become a growth constraint later. My work typically spans: product launches and go-to-market strategy commercial and technology agreements that support scale corporate governance and compliance for growing organizations intellectual property and brand protection regulatory issues that intersect with product, marketing, and distribution I’m especially comfortable operating at the intersection of legal, commercial, and operational decision-making, where clarity and judgment matter more than volume or templates.

Inaugural General Counsel responsible for building and leading the legal function for a global consumer products company operating at scale. Served as a core member of the executive team, advising leadership on high-stakes decisions across product development and labeling, advertising and marketing, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, manufacturing and distribution, M&A, and commercial strategy. Acted as a strategic partner to the business, helping leadership balance speed, risk, and growth while navigating complex regulatory and operational environments. Select Highlights Reduced disputes and operational friction with overseas manufacturers by 90%+ within the first year through improved contract structure, compliance controls, and escalation frameworks. Built the company’s first in-house legal department, reducing outside legal spend by 30% in one year through smarter insourcing and disciplined use of external counsel. Managed a $1.5M annual legal budget, overseeing outside counsel relationships and supervising internal legal staff.

Provided legal counsel to a publicly traded communications company, supporting compliance, brand strategy, and growth initiatives in a highly regulated, consumer-facing environment. Advised cross-functional teams on new product development, promotions, advertising and marketing, digital properties, and customer acquisition channels, while ensuring SEC and consumer protection compliance. Partnered closely with business, marketing, and operations leaders to balance speed, disclosure obligations, and risk. Select Highlights Negotiated commercial agreements, managed outside counsel, and oversaw trademark portfolio and litigation matters. Supported consumer-facing risk management by resolving complaints and streamlining litigation operations. Maintained and expanded a global trademark portfolio, supporting brand protection and international growth initiatives.

Served as corporate counsel to a global manufacturing and consumer electronics company, advising sales and marketing teams on product launches, advertising, promotions, and commercial strategy across multiple product lines. Provided legal guidance in a highly regulated, consumer-facing environment, supporting compliance with applicable laws and regulations while enabling productivity, speed, and operational efficiency. Regularly partnered with business leaders to navigate risk in marketing, distribution, financing, and dealer relationships. Select Highlights Advised on advertising and promotional compliance, negotiated commercial agreements, and oversaw litigation management and resolution of consumer complaints. Negotiated leasing and financing arrangements involving third-party creditors and national dealer networks. Managed and maintained the company’s trademark portfolio, supporting brand protection across multiple product categories. Championed inclusion of domestic partners in the company’s health coverage, contributing to more inclusive employee benefits policy.