Associate Director, Commercial Counsel

Overview

An organization is seeking an experienced Commercial Counsel to lead and optimize all contract-related processes for the Americas region. This role involves managing customer and vendor contractual matters, providing trusted legal advice on commercial agreements, and collaborating with senior stakeholders. A strong understanding of AI, digital services, and technology development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), vendor, consulting, production, and talent agreements.
• Independently negotiate agreements with clients and vendors, representing the organization's interests effectively.
• Support contract compliance with company policies and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of contract templates and playbooks to align with current business and legal requirements.
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to the organization's operations.
• Lead commercial dispute resolution efforts in collaboration with the legal team, providing risk assessments and practical solutions.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to management at all levels, offering timely and business-focused guidance.
• Identify process gaps and develop creative solutions in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with business teams to ensure contracts meet organizational needs.
• Coordinate with and manage external counsel and subject matter experts as needed.
• Utilize AI-powered legal tools for contract review, analysis, and drafting to increase efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to integrate AI tools into legal workflows, applying professional judgment to validate AI-generated outputs.
• Advise on AI-related commercial matters including procurement contracts, data processing terms, intellectual property, and liability considerations.
• Stay informed on developments in legal AI, emerging technologies, and industry standards, sharing insights with the legal team.
• Mentor junior legal team members and promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree and bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum of 5 years of transactional contract experience including drafting, negotiation, and contract management.
• Significant in-house legal experience preferred; litigation experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage a high-volume contract workload independently and advise senior business stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, traffic management, and operational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight timeframes while protecting risk.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, and regulations relevant to the organization's business and jurisdictions.
• High-level problem-solving, critical thinking, and information analysis skills.
• Experience with creative production contracts (e.g., music licensing, talent agreements, video production) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
• Ability to build trust, respect, and cooperation among team members and clients.
• Focus on client service and a collaborative, win-win problem-solving approach.
• Ability to anticipate and mitigate legal risks.
• Experience with AI-powered legal tools including contract review platforms and AI-assisted drafting and research tools.
• Ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs and apply professional judgment.
• Experience implementing AI tools in legal or corporate environments, including policy development, risk assessment, and training.
• Ongoing engagement with the evolving legal AI landscape, including awareness of vendors, capabilities, and limitations.
• High professional and personal integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $138,400 to $170,000 USD (based on experience, expertise, location, and organizational impact; 40-hour workweek)
• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with matching
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid company holidays
• Parental leave

Location

• US Remote

Additional Information

• The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and workplace environment.
• Participation in E-Verify is required to confirm work authorization in the U.S.
• The role involves working with AI tools and requires a commercially minded, solutions-oriented approach to legal practice.
• The organization supports accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment to ensure all candidates and employees feel supported.