ABOUT THE ROLEAccela is seeking a proactive and business-minded Legal Director to support our growing sales and services teams. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role will serve as a key legal advisor on commercial transactions and revenue-generating activities. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in negotiating complex SaaS and services agreements, particularly in the public sector, and will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
This is a hands-on role that requires strong business acumen, excellent judgment, and the ability to balance legal risk with business objectives. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Services, Finance, and Operations to support deal flow and help scale legal processes as the company grows.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES - Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, software licensing, professional services, and maintenance agreements.
- Partner with Sales and Services teams to drive deals to closure efficiently while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Provide strategic legal guidance on RFPs, government procurement processes, and contract structures.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement scalable legal processes and templates that support revenue growth.
- Support cross-functional initiatives involving legal input, including compliance, sales operations, and risk management.
- Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting SaaS and public sector contracting.
- Identify and develop a secondary area of legal expertise (e.g., privacy, compliance, or employment law) to support broader legal team initiatives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
- Active membership in a state bar, with eligibility for California Registered In-House Counsel if not CA-barred.
- 6+ years of legal experience, including at least 3 years in-house at a technology or SaaS company.
- Strong experience negotiating commercial contracts, particularly with government entities.
- Solid understanding of SaaS business models and software licensing.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-first mindset.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Familiarity with revenue recognition principles and their impact on contract terms.
- Experience supporting enterprise software sales and professional services engagements.
- Exposure to privacy, compliance, or government relations is a plus.
COMPENSATION AND WELL-BEINGThe annual base salary range for this full-time position is $200,000 - $250,000. The actual annual base salary offered may be adjusted based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, training, and experience. In addition to an annual base salary, this role is eligible to earn commissions.
Accela's U.S. team members will receive a generous benefits package consisting of options including medical, dental, and vision plans, family planning benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, health savings account with company contributions, flexible spending account, life, accident, and disability coverage, business travel insurance, employee assistance programs, and other well-being benefits.
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