Associate Director, Commercial Counsel

Overview

An organization is seeking an experienced Commercial Counsel to lead and optimize 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. The ideal candidate will have strong legal expertise, executive presence, and a commercially minded, solutions-oriented approach, preferably with knowledge of AI, digital services, and technology development.

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 contracts.
• 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, delivering timely and business-focused guidance.
• Identify process gaps and develop creative solutions in partnership 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 enhance 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 organizational risk.
• Knowledge of relevant statutes, rules, and regulations applicable 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 mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members and clients.
• Focus on treating internal teams and clients with respect and a collaborative problem-solving approach.
• Skill in anticipating and preventing legal issues and risks.
• Experience representing the organization in legal and business communities.
• Hands-on experience with AI-powered legal tools including contract review, analysis platforms, and AI-assisted drafting and research tools.
• Ability to critically evaluate and validate AI-generated outputs, identifying errors, gaps, and legal risks.
• Experience implementing AI tools in legal or corporate environments, contributing to AI use policies, risk assessments, and internal training.
• Ongoing engagement with the evolving legal AI landscape, including awareness of key vendors, product capabilities, and limitations.
• High professional and personal standards with unquestioned integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $138,400 to $170,000 USD annually (based on a 40-hour workweek and physical location).
• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with matching.
• Paid time off (PTO) and 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.
• Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and employment.
• Participation in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the U.S.
• The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
• Candidates unsure if they meet all qualifications are encouraged to apply.