K. J. Mbale

About K. J. Mbale

Business-Focused Legal Counsel | Contract Negotiation & Risk Management Expert An…

Experience

1. Legal Counsel

   Lovisa Pty Ltd

   Jul 2024 — Present · Torrance, CA, US

   Reviewed and redlined commercial retail lease agreements across the United States and Canada, aligning terms with business objectives while mitigating legal and financial risk• Cured lease defaults and preserved leasehold interests through strategic negotiations, coordination, and timely enforcement of contractual remedies.• Managed the collection and reconciliation of tenant improvement allowances.• Reviewed and negotiated general contractor agreements for new store buildouts, aligning contract scope with project budgets, schedules, and risk exposure.• Partnered with cross-functional teams – including operations and finance – to ensure contract compliance and project execution.• Maintained legal tracking systems for deposits, guarantees, and letters of credit to meet renewal deadlines and maintain full regulatory compliance.• • Represented Lovisa in hearings before state and municipal regulatory agencies, advocating for the company’s interests in matters related to labor compliance, zoning, and licensing.• Advised internal HR and executive teams on employment law compliance, including wage and hour, leave, termination, and workplace conduct matters across multiple jurisdictions.• Drafted and implemented internal employment policies in collaboration with HR leadership, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and corporate culture.• Created and customized legal agreements—including indemnity agreements, letters of commitment, NDAs, equipment return agreements, and contractor onboarding docs—to protect company assets and limit exposure.• Drafted and negotiated Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and other vendor contracts to ensure clarity on deliverables, timelines, indemnification, and dispute resolution provisions.• Provided day-to-day legal counsel to HR, compliance, and IT teams on employee discipline, data handling, and policy enforcement issues, ensuring consistency with local and federal regulations.