Senior Counsel, Commercial
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for AI and technology lawyers continues to soar, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year, professionals with expertise in commercial law are in high demand. Openai, a pioneer in AI research and deployment, is seeking a Senior Counsel to join its commercial legal team. With the company's rapid growth, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge challenges and develop scalable frameworks for responsible growth. Candidates should be prepared to bring their expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, as well as their ability to operate in an entrepreneurial environment. Before applying, candidates should consider their experience in handling legal issues in creative and scalable ways, as well as their knowledge of regulatory and compliance matters affecting AI and technology.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Counsel, Commercial role at Openai is a critical position that will provide legal support for the company's rapidly growing business. As a key member of the commercial legal team, you will work closely with various teams, including GTM, Partnerships, Procurement, Finance, Product, Infrastructure, and Engineering. Your expertise in commercial law will be essential in navigating the complex legal landscape of AI and technology.The commercial legal team at Openai is responsible for tackling innovative and fundamental legal issues in AI. As a Senior Counsel, you will be expected to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to teams across the company. Your ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner will be essential in enabling responsible growth.
The company's hybrid work model, with 3 days in the office per week, offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in person while also enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
What You Will Do
- Serve as the legal partner for Openai's business transactions, partnerships, and operations
- Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to teams including Sales, Partnerships, Finance, Procurement, and Operations
- Identify and address commercial, product, regulatory, privacy, and other legal issues arising from commercial transactions
- Develop strategies and processes for handling legal issues in creative and scalable ways that support growth
- Monitor and advise on regulatory and compliance matters affecting AI and technology
- Collaborate with colleagues across Openai's global legal team to ensure alignment across jurisdictions
- Negotiate and draft complex commercial contracts
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors
- Stay up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations affecting AI and technology
- Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement company-wide initiatives
What We Are Looking For
- 7+ years of experience across in-house and technology-focused law firm roles
- Strong background in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
- Experience in handling legal issues in creative and scalable ways that support growth
- Ability to operate in an entrepreneurial environment, with a proactive and independent approach
- Excellent communication and business judgment skills, with the ability to tailor advice to enable responsible growth
- Strong sense of ownership, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for technology
- Ability to demonstrate sound judgment in ambiguous or fast-changing situations
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Partnerships, Finance, and Operations
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance matters affecting AI and technology
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience working in a hybrid work environment
- Knowledge of AI and machine learning technologies
- Experience working with global teams and navigating international legal issues
- Certification in privacy or data protection law
- Experience working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO policy, with a minimum of 4 weeks per year
- Remote work stipend and equipment budget
- Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training programs
- Access to cutting-edge AI and technology tools and resources
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of commercial law and its application in the technology industry
- Build a portfolio of your experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
- Prepare to discuss your experience in handling legal issues in creative and scalable ways that support growth
- Research Openai's products and services to demonstrate your enthusiasm for technology and AI
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner
- Consider highlighting your experience working with cross-functional teams and navigating international legal issues
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