Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 14 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not as a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions, and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen, and a human touch.

Cleary Gottlieb seeks an experienced SaaS commercial attorney to join our in-house global Risk team. The Commercial Attorney will work closely with the Assistant General Counsel (Commercial) to own the drafting, negotiating and advising on a high volume of deals with a wide variety of firm vendors, with a specific emphasis on software-as-a-service (SaaS) and technology-related contracts. You will negotiate agreements, thoughtfully reduce risk in the firm’s contracts, provide legal counsel to the firm’s professional staff, and collaborate closely with other departments, including working closely with the Procurement, Innovation, Information Security teams. The role demands strong commercial awareness and expertise in data protection and intellectual property law.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial contracts (including SaaS subscription agreements, licensing agreements, data protection agreements (DPAs), NDAs, Master Services Agreements and professional/vendor services agreements).
• Ensure all contracts and business practices comply with relevant laws and regulations, including data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA, as well as new legislation like the EU AI Act.
• Partner closely with procurement and other lawyers on the global Risk team to help drive and execute the Firm’s contracting strategy.
• Create and support best practices for efficient procurement, vendor management, and contracting operations, including templates, guidelines, and policies.
• Collaborate with and advise business partners and internal stakeholders across the firm, including working closely with the Procurement, Innovation, Information Security teams.

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Active membership in the New York State Bar in good standing or qualified in England and Wales.
• 5+ years of commercial contract experience, with a strong focus on technology, IT, and SaaS contracts, preferably in a law firm or corporate legal department environment.
• Experience with international contracts and cross-border legal issues is often desirable.
• Enthusiasm for drafting and negotiating contracts, with strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Exceptional commercial sensibilities. Keen attention to detail with commitment to high standards of accuracy and efficiency, strong project management capabilities, and ability to effectively prioritize a high-volume portfolio in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to translate complex legal issues into clear, pragmatic advice for non-legal stakeholders.
• Proactive, resourceful approach with strong work ethic, high degree of accountability, and excellent organizational skills.
• A positive, collaborative demeanor with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Familiarity with privacy and security terms (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
• Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and legal technology tools.
• Experience with international commercial agreements and multi-jurisdictional contracting issues.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $240,000 to $260,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits

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