Little did Michael Paradise realize that someday he would work for the acquaintance he once knew growing up in the same Long Island town. But today, Paradise does just that as the executive vice president and general counsel at the eponymous footwear and fashion company Steve Madden.

A longtime corporate lawyer who once founded a hedge fund and venture capital firm, Paradise was working as outside counsel to Steve Madden at mid-sized New York firm McLaughlin & Stern when the opportunity to become the top lawyer arose in May 2016. For the past three years, Paradise has overseen Steve Madden's team of three in-house lawyers, including one who oversees the company's sustainability and corporate social responsibility division and one who manages the worldwide intellectual property department.

Paradise spoke with reporter Kristen Rasmussen about the impact of trade tensions and how the company protects its intellectual property. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Steve Madden is among the U.S. companies that have been outspoken about their plans to move some production out of China given continued trade tensions with the country. What has been the legal department's role in that decision?

We've had an ancillary role. It is really our finance people and tax experts who are on top of this in terms of migrating some products away from the high tariff zones. Everything is up in the air now as to the prospect of long-term tariffs. We're hopeful that through negotiation the two countries can resolve the matter. But capacity issues will always exist and, because of the potential high demand, prices may go up in the end. Nobody knows now whether it's the smart choice to move elsewhere.

What is the legal department's role in an industry that is so quickly ­changing?

Whether our retail presence expands or contracts, there are always the issues such as our outstanding leases that the legal department has to handle. When [the company] is looking at more of a business-driven situation, we are there as consultants on how to lessen our exposure.

What is your philosophy about IP protection?

We have streamlined our IP group and have a very robust IP portfolio, to which we are now adding trademarks. As far as litigation, we have taken a somewhat aggressive stance against those who send frivolous demand letters alleging trade dress rights in products that are more functional than specialized. We've been aggressive in opposing counterparties in their unreasonable attempts to claim infringement.

What are your tips for those wanting to lead a corporate law department?

Become smarter, not just in your specific practice area but in the law itself. Follow various cases involving many companies to see where mistakes were made that led to ­sometimes catastrophic litigation. Understand business and know how to read financial statements. Also, be personable and remember that sometimes a good sense of humor helps as well.