Senior Legal Counsel, APAC

About the Role

The role reports to the Director, Legal, Commercial, and will involve working closely with various stakeholders to negotiate sophisticated agreements, manage cross-border legal questions, and develop practical deal strategies. You will be responsible for taking ownership of key APJ contracting workstreams, strengthening how the company handles region-specific legal risk, and improving the templates and processes that support consistent deal execution across APJ.

Gitlab is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and employee growth. As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will be part of a high-performance culture that is driven by a set of core values, including transparency, results-driven, and community. You will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about transforming the way the world develops software.

What You Will Do

• Negotiate complex commercial and technology agreements across APJ markets, including SaaS, software, partnership, services, consulting, marketing, licensing, data privacy, and AI-related contracts.
• Manage strategic and high-priority transactions across multiple jurisdictions, balancing legal risk with business needs.
• Partner with regional Sales leadership, internal stakeholders, and external counterparties to move deals forward with clear legal guidance.
• Navigate country-specific contracting norms, approval paths, and drafting requirements across APJ markets, including Japan.
• Advise on cross-border transaction structures and coordinate with outside counsel when local legal support is needed.
• Assess contractual risk and provide practical recommendations, including escalation paths and alternative terms.
• Develop and maintain APJ-focused templates, playbooks, policies, and supporting documentation to improve consistency in contracting.
• Train contract managers and regional Sales team members on contracting practices, legal developments, and day-to-day decision-making across the region.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualified to practice law through a J.D. or equivalent legal credential, with active bar membership or a license in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Experienced in commercial and technology transactions, with a deep understanding of APAC's regulatory landscape.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to work with various stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, and Product.
• Familiarity with data privacy and AI-related terms across multiple jurisdictions.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in the tech industry, with a focus on software development and DevSecOps.
• Knowledge of Japanese law and regulations, as well as experience working with Japanese counterparties.
• Familiarity with Gitlab's products and services, as well as the company's values and mission.
• Experience working in a remote environment, with a strong ability to work independently.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about transforming the way the world develops software.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• Generous parental leave policy and family-friendly benefits.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan.

• Make sure to highlight your experience in commercial and technology transactions, particularly in the APAC region.
• Emphasize your ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and provide legal clarity to business stakeholders.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, and Product.
• Showcase your knowledge of data privacy and AI-related terms across multiple jurisdictions.
• Demonstrate your ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Research Gitlab's products and services, as well as the company's values and mission, to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.