Legal Counsel - Product

Overview

This role provides specialized legal expertise to support a technology company's product portfolio. The position involves aligning legal strategy with product objectives, advising on legal and regulatory considerations throughout the product lifecycle, and supporting compliant product development. Strong legal judgment, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex requirements in a technology context are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, actionable legal guidance to Product and Engineering teams across all stages of the product lifecycle, including design, development, launch, and evolution.
• Support platform and data strategy initiatives, including data governance.
• Identify and assess legal, regulatory, and intellectual property risks to enable informed, risk-based decision making.
• Advise on product-related legal issues such as intellectual property, open-source software, marketing, data use, and emerging AI and data regulations.
• Draft and support product-specific terms, disclosures, and external documentation.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Security teams on technology and software license compliance, including open-source software.
• Work with the in-house patent agent to advance intellectual property strategy, including trademark matters.
• Develop strong working relationships with Product and Engineering teams to understand roadmaps and embed legal considerations into product development workflows.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Privacy, Security, and other Legal colleagues to ensure consistent and practical legal support.
• Contribute to designing and refining processes that support efficient and responsible product development in global markets.
• Develop playbooks, training materials, and self-serve guidance to scale product legal support.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer admitted and in good standing in a relevant Canadian province or U.S. state.
• 5-7 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 4 years advising on product, technology, and/or intellectual property matters.
• Prior in-house experience at a growing SaaS company is preferred.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Interest in product development and comfort working closely with technical teams.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build constructive working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible vacation and company-wide days off.
• Flexible work options including hybrid and remote arrangements.
• Physical and mental well-being programs.
• Regular virtual fitness classes.
• Mentorship programs, training, and career development opportunities.
• Recognition programs and referral rewards.
• Participation in hackathons.

Location

• Hybrid work model for candidates based in Ottawa.
• Remote work options available for other locations in Canada and the USA.