Overview
The organization is seeking a business-savvy and well-rounded commercial lawyer to join its legal team as Legal Counsel. Reporting to the General Manager with a dotted-line to the Group Legal Counsel, this role supports internal and external stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
This position focuses primarily on commercial legal matters and includes potential support to the Group Legal Counsel on M&A and portfolio-acquisition activity as opportunities arise. The role also involves strategic legal advice to the business and day-to-day management and mentoring of the supporting Contracts Manager and Compliance Manager.
Responsibilities
- Provide accurate and timely legal advice to key business stakeholders on matters spanning multiple geographies, coordinating with the Group Legal Counsel and other business partners.
- Independently draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including:
- Software license and SaaS agreements
- Maintenance and support services
- Professional services, consulting, subcontractor, supplier, reseller, and distribution agreements
- Bespoke contractual provisions
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Review and negotiate customer and vendor requests for proposals (RFPs) and public and private tenders, including:
- Identifying proposal requirements
- Reviewing terms and conditions for acceptability and compliance with company policies and procedures
- Assisting with proposal development as required
- Supporting the management approval process for submission
- Apply pragmatic, impartial risk management practices by offering proactive, practical advice on legal and strategic business issues.
- Conduct contract/subcontract review and interface directly with customer/vendor contracting personnel.
- Work with management, sales, finance, and operations teams to manage and structure contracts.
- Manage, direct, and mentor the supporting Contracts Manager and Compliance Manager by:
- Allocating work
- Reviewing work product
- Providing coaching and feedback on contract interpretation, drafting, and negotiation approach
- Plan, schedule, and oversee team activities to meet objectives, balancing competing priorities and maintaining consistent, high-quality output.
- Assess and evaluate risks associated with new and existing contracts, analyzing contracts and policies to ensure compliance with law, company policy, government specifications, and business goals.
- Research multiple jurisdictions and recommend best practices and improvements to contract processes.
- Customize existing templates, create templates, and draft new agreements to fit project requirements.
- Ensure timely communication of legal and contract information with management and other stakeholders and maintain complete and accurate contract files.
- Support the Group Legal Counsel on M&A and portfolio-acquisition activity as needed, including:
- Performing due diligence
- Reviewing and negotiating transaction documents
- Assisting with post-close legal integration
- Assist with policy development and training as required.
- Advise on and help own data protection and privacy compliance, including UK/EU GDPR and applicable US state privacy laws, ensuring appropriate data-processing terms in contracts.
- Manage disputes, claims, and litigation for the business, including instructing and coordinating external counsel under the direction of the Group Legal Counsel.
- Support corporate governance and compliance by upholding the organization’s risk standards.
- Some travel may be required.
Required Skills / Abilities
- Demonstrated talent-building capabilities, including attracting, inspiring, and developing team members; providing clear direction and meaningful feedback; and empowering others to deliver their best work.
- Strong verbal, written, and problem-solving skills with uncompromising personal integrity, including transparency and accountability in professional interactions.
- Ability to assess and balance contractual and commercial risk using sound commercial acumen, informed by business environment knowledge, financial metrics, and market dynamics.
- Sound judgment and strategic thinking, including identifying risks, structuring positions, determining appropriate escalation, and taking a long-term view.
- Ability to use Claude, ChatGPT and other AI tools to enhance productivity and improve efficiency.
- Strong prioritization and time management skills, able to handle multiple matters and projects with shifting deadlines while remaining composed under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate openly with people at all levels across multiple companies and jurisdictions, valuing diverse perspectives.
Education and Experience
- 5–10 years of related legal experience in an international law firm or in-house legal department.
- A university degree in law (e.g. JD or equivalent) is required.
- Qualified candidates must be admitted to practice / called to the Bar in Canada or the United States and be in good standing.
- Strong commercial law skills and experience, including familiarity with software licensing agreements, public procurement, and contract negotiation.
- Experience working with public agencies and navigating public procurements.
- Previous experience at a technology or software company, including exposure to IT contracts, government procurement, software licensing, or SaaS agreements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting M&A transactions (due diligence and transaction support).
- General familiarity with data protection and privacy laws (e.g. GDPR and US state privacy laws).
Compensation & Benefits
- Not specified in the provided job description.
Location
- Not specified in the provided job description.