Overview
A partner organization is seeking a Vice President of Legal based in the United States. This executive leadership role involves owning and scaling the entire legal function within a fast-growing, private equity-backed SaaS company. The VP Legal will act as a strategic advisor to the CFO, Board of Directors, and private equity sponsors, designing and operationalizing a modern legal infrastructure focused on speed, automation, and exit readiness.
This position blends corporate governance, commercial contracting, and AI-driven legal transformation, positioning the legal function as a growth enabler rather than a compliance gatekeeper. The role requires leading cross-functional initiatives across product, engineering, finance, and corporate development to support innovation and global expansion. The environment is highly dynamic and technology-forward, with an emphasis on embedding diligence-ready standards across all processes.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement a modern legal operating model, including AI-powered legal tools, contract lifecycle management, and automated compliance workflows
- Lead commercial contracting strategy by building scalable playbooks that enable high-velocity global sales while maintaining risk controls
- Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams on AI/ML-driven product development to ensure compliant data usage, algorithmic governance, and regulatory alignment
- Serve as Board Secretary, managing corporate governance, board materials, and enterprise compliance standards
- Oversee enterprise risk management, including insurance, regulatory exposure, and financial/legal risks impacting valuation and exit readiness
- Manage global employment law matters, equity structures, and cross-jurisdiction workforce compliance in partnership with People Operations
- Lead legal support for M&A and corporate development, ensuring diligence readiness and integration of acquisitions
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school with active bar membership in good standing
- Minimum 15 years of legal experience, including significant in-house leadership roles within high-growth technology or SaaS companies
- Strong expertise in SaaS commercial agreements, enterprise contracting, data processing, and global deal structuring
- Deep understanding of AI/ML legal issues, including data governance, privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA), and algorithmic accountability
- Proven experience in corporate governance, ideally with Board-level exposure or Secretary responsibilities
- Experience managing cross-border employment law, international corporate structures, and global compliance frameworks
- Excellent executive communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear business guidance
- Comfortable operating in private equity-backed or high-growth environments focused on scalability and exit readiness
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive executive compensation aligned with senior leadership responsibilities
- Equity participation and performance-based incentives, where applicable
- Fully remote or flexible working arrangements depending on location
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Opportunity to build and lead a global legal function from the ground up
- High-impact role with direct exposure to Board, private equity sponsors, and executive leadership
- Strong investment in legal technology and AI tools to modernize workflows
- Career-defining opportunity within a fast-scaling, AI-driven SaaS organization
Location
- United States (remote or flexible work arrangements depending on location)