Head of Legal

Overview

This role is for a practical, hands-on Head of Legal who will serve as the organization’s primary in-house legal resource. Day-to-day responsibilities include providing counsel on commercial agreements, data privacy, employment issues, corporate matters, and regulatory compliance. The position offers flexibility to work fully remote or hybrid, with an in-office option for candidates local to Westport, CT.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on legal support and practical strategic counsel to senior leadership, Human Resources, and business leaders.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including:
  • Master Services Agreements
  • Statements of Work
  • Data Protection and Transfer Agreements
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Vendor agreements
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Partnership and reseller agreements
  • Leases and other corporate documents
• Advise on contract law, data privacy, employment matters, corporate law, and other legal/regulatory considerations affecting operations in the United States and abroad.
• Identify and advise on implications of information security matters arising from client agreements, vendor relationships, security incidents, business processes, and applicable laws—partnering with IT and business leaders.
• Review new vendors, technologies, data uses, and business initiatives for legal, contractual, privacy, and regulatory risk, partnering with IT on security and technical considerations.
• Advise colleagues in plain language on how to ensure compliance with contractual and legal obligations.
• Manage notifications and oversee data preservation related to potential information security incidents and/or subpoenas.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and help implement processes for compliance with new obligations.
• Maintain and update corporate records, registrations, board resolutions, legal documentation, and contract requirements.
• Manage relationships with U.S. and international outside counsel and engage specialized counsel as needed for litigation, employment, intellectual property, privacy, real estate, and other matters.
• Establish scalable legal processes that support timely, accurate, and responsive service.
• Support strategic initiatives, acquisitions, partnerships, and other corporate transactions as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (preferably CT or NY).
• 8+ years of relevant legal experience, with background in commercial, privacy, employment, corporate, or related legal disciplines.
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and the global data privacy regulatory environment, with familiarity with employment law and corporate law.
• Excellent negotiation, issue-spotting, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience managing outside counsel and partnering effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and flexible approach, with the ability to operate as a hands-on department of one while establishing scalable legal processes.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Salesforce, and Trello.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base compensation range: $200,000 - $220,000.
• Compensation may be adjusted based on skill, effort, responsibility, education, training, credentials, geographic location, working conditions and/or experience.

Location

• Fully remote or hybrid option.
• In-office/hybrid flexibility for candidates local to Westport, CT.