Legal Counsel
Overview
A leading provider of compliance, credit risk, and lending software solutions for financial institutions is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Legal Counsel with over 5 years of post-qualification experience. The role involves providing legal support across various business functions to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and support strategic initiatives. The position reports to the Vice President – Head of Legal and collaborates closely with internal teams such as sales, vendors, information security, and human resources. Candidates may work remotely or from offices located in Raleigh, NC, or Austin, TX.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, edit, redline, and negotiate customer service agreements, software licenses, consulting agreements, NDAs, vendor agreements, business partnership agreements (including reseller and referral agreements), and other contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and risk tolerance.
- Identify and synthesize key contractual terms, concepts, and risks for the Vice President – Head of Legal and internal stakeholders in an actionable manner.
- Develop, maintain, and improve contract templates and playbooks based on best practices and industry standards.
- Provide legal support and advice on matters including software licensing, human resources, corporate governance, and litigation.
- Support compliance efforts related to data privacy and industry-specific regulations.
- Collaborate with internal departments such as sales and finance, as well as outside legal counsel and third parties as needed.
- Assist the Legal Operations team in enhancing systems, processes, and procedures to improve efficiency.
- Participate in legal projects including internal presentations and training, legal research, briefing teams on legal developments, monitoring data privacy and security changes, assisting with RFP responses, and addressing ad hoc legal questions.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
- Admission to at least one state bar.
- Minimum of 5 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Experience with contract redlining and negotiation.
- Preferred experience with software licensing and/or SaaS contracting.
- Comprehensive general legal knowledge with the ability to communicate effectively with non-lawyers.
- Adaptability, flexibility, and creativity in problem-solving.
- Business-oriented mindset with a practical approach to legal risk.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to identify legal risks and minimize company exposure while maintaining an entrepreneurial approach.
- Self-starter with leadership capabilities and minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with internal and external stakeholders.
- Sound business judgment, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Team-oriented with a collaborative work style.
- Exceptional time management skills to handle multiple competing priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
- Experience with Ironclad or comparable contract management systems is desired.
- Occasional travel to team events for engagement and relationship-building.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary and total rewards package.
- Comprehensive health benefits with an HSA option.
- Flexible paid time off and bank holidays.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
Location
Remote work option available or office-based in Raleigh, North Carolina, or Austin, Texas.
Equal Opportunity
The employer is an equal opportunity organization and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, genetic trait, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process.