Purpose of PositionThe Legal Counsel will be responsible for handling a variety of transactional legal matters, focused on complex technology licensing (primarily in-licensing and out-licensing of data, software, technical documentation and other proprietary materials or trade secrets), technology-centric vendor agreements and intellectual property advice, counsel, strategy and portfolio management. This role requires expertise in data, technology and IP licenses, negotiations and strategic protection of rights to license, use, and sublicense data from or in collaboration with external partners, including original equipment manufacturers and component suppliers. Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) is a plus. The Legal Counsel will also support internal process creation, develop templates, and enable self-service tools to streamline legal operations within an evolving environment.
Tasks and ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are essential to the successful and satisfactory performance of this job. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive of the duties needed, and other responsibilities and tasks may be assigned from time to time.
- Provide legal counsel on a variety of complex technology and transactional law issues, including commercial technology transactions, intellectual property rights, vendor agreements, AI and related matters, with an emphasis on offering practical/business-minded approaches to support company objectives.
- Advise business partners on matters related to technology-centric contracts, including data license negotiations, vendor agreements and intellectual property rights.
- Manage contract negotiations and technology transactions, ensuring compliance and protection of FlightSafety's and its affiliates' legal interests in collaboration with internal and external partners, including interacting with a range of original equipment manufacturers and component suppliers.
- Assist with legal aspects of strategic transactions, including due diligence, business use justification and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on intellectual property rights.
- Conduct drafting, review, and negotiation of vendor agreements, NDAs, and other related agreements.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including senior management and external partners, on transactional and technology-related contracts.
- Develop and implement self-service tools, templates, and processes to improve legal operations and participate in preparation and provision of legal subject matter training with various cross-functional team members.
- Conduct research and analyze relevant laws, regulations, and cases to provide guidance on legal and regulatory risks.
- Conduct risk assessments on technology, artificial intelligence and intellectual property issues and effectively communicate risk assessments to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with external counsel on matters as needed.
Minimum Education- Bachelor's degree is required (or its educational equivalent if issued outside the U.S.).
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
- At least three (3) years' relevant experience to the tasks and responsibilities is required, with a preference for at least three (3) years practicing law.
- Preference for candidates with robust transactions experience at a sophisticated national, regional, or boutique law firm.
Minimum Experience- 3-6 years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred, with a minimum of 2-3 years of substantive technology transactions and intellectual property experience.
- Prior work predominantly in a technology-focused law firm or sophisticated in-house legal department preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities- Experience with Technology and IP Law: Proven experience in technology transactions and intellectual property law, and a working knowledge of - and continued interest in learning - the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
- Contract Management: Skilled in structuring, drafting and negotiating a range of agreements, including technology licensing and intellectual property-related contracts.
- Process Improvement: Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment where processes are still being established; experience creating templates and enabling self-service legal tools.
- Communication of Legal Risks: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to understand and analyze complex legal concepts and contracts and to accurately identify, assess and explain legal risks clearly and concisely.
- Collaborative and Client-Focused: Strong ability to partner with business clients, work within cross-functional teams, and engage with external counsel as required.
- Time Management: Interpersonal and prioritization skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met and/or encountered by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
