6+ years of legal experience, both in large law firms and in-house at tech companies.
Expertise in negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts in SaaS, AI, or enterprise software.
Strong communication skills with legal and non-legal stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment and navigate ambiguity.
Responsibilities
Structure, negotiate, and advise on various commercial contracts, including SaaS subscriptions and technology licenses.
Enhance operational excellence within the commercial function, establishing best practices for efficiency.
Advise broadly on contractual issues, including contract law and the implications of AI regulations.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales and Operations teams to support business growth.
Train and mentor junior legal team members to foster development and teamwork.
Maintain strategic judgement in a rapidly scaling business environment.
Benefits
Flexible (Unlimited) Paid Time Off
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits for employees and families
Parental Leave and Fertility benefits through Carrot
Retirement Plan with company match
Discretionary Benefit Stipend for personalized spending
Complimentary lunch and snacks to boost productivity
Unique offerings like free alphorn lessons
Full Job Description
What you'll do
We're hiring a Senior Commercial Counsel to be a core member of Sierra's legal team. We are looking for someone who has deep expertise in commercial contracts, but also someone who is also eager to broaden their scope across IP, regulatory, and product. You will thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy tackling challenges beyond your comfort zone, and be excited to contribute across the business. In return, we'll provide the support and opportunities you need to grow and excel as a lawyer. You'll be part of a legal team that is highly respected within both the company and the broader legal industry-committed to excellence, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact.
Commercial Contracting: Structure, negotiate and advise on all commercial contracts, including SaaS subscription agreements, technology licenses, professional services agreements, channel partner agreement, vendor agreements and NDAs. Commercial privacy and security contracting experience (e.g., DPAs, BAAs, security agreements) is a plus.
Operational Excellence: Help build out our commercial function to be best in class. We aim to be the fastest and strongest, where the legal team is the differentiator in the contract lifecycle. You will be developing templates, playbooks, and workflows to drive efficiency and scalability.
Expertise: Deep knowledge of practice areas that underpin the commercial practice, including contract law, IP and privacy. You will also want to work in AI and understand the nuances of law as it relates to AI, including the evolving regulatory frameworks. You will be expected to advise broadly on all contractual issues and be comfortable doing so.
Teamwork: A team player first and foremost. Sierra is a unique place to work, with a strong sense of togetherness, and the legal team is no exception. You will look out for your colleagues, be accustomed to sharing and helping the team succeed. As the team grows, you will train and mentor more junior members.
Judgement: Understand risk in the context of a hyper-scaling business, have sound judgement and be strategic in your decision making. You will not be afraid to make judgement calls, and you will be empowered to do so.
Approach: A strong work ethic with an eye for detail. You will strive for perfection, and expect that of others.
Collaborate: Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Agent Development teams to support revenue growth and strategic business initiatives.
What you'll bring
6+ years of legal experience, with a combination of both large law firm and in-house experience at a tech company. While we are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel, we are open to considering exceptional candidates with less experience as Commercial Counsel.
A strong background in negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts, preferably in SaaS, AI, or enterprise software.
Strong communication skills and the ability to partner with both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
A proactive mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
Even better...
Experience of privacy/regulatory frameworks and can advise on data processing agreements and security-related contract provisions.
A passion for AI, with a deep understanding of AI products, LLMs and the related legal issues.
Significant law firm experience at a top-tier, internationally recognized law firm.
Experience working at a high-growth startup and operating with a sense of ownership.
Industry specific knowledge in any of the following: Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecoms, Insurance and/or Consumer.
What we offer
We want our benefits to reflect our values and offer the following to full-time employees:
Flexible (unlimited) paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
Life insurance and disability benefits
Retirement plan dependent on country of employment
Parental leave
Fertility and family building benefits through Carrot
Lunch, as well as delicious snacks and coffee to keep you energized
Discretionary benefit stipend giving people the ability to spend where it matters most
Free alphorn lessons
These benefits are further detailed in Sierra's policies, may vary by region, and are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefits plans. Eligible full-time employees can participate in Sierra's equity plans subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies.
About Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental conservation. It was founded in 1892 by John Muir and is one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the United States. The organization has over 3.8 million members and supporters and is dedicated to protecting the planet's natural resources and wildlife. The Sierra Club engages in a variety of activities, including lobbying for environmental legislation, organizing outdoor activities, and publishing a magazine. The organization is headquartered in Oakland, California.
