General Counsel
Job description
About the role
The will own the strategic direction of the global legal function, ensuring all operations are anchored in rigorous compliance and sound legal governance. This role is responsible for building and mentoring a high-performing legal team, setting the standard for excellence and integrity in every engagement. The General Counsel will act as a critical strategic partner to the executive leadership team, translating complex business objectives into legally sound strategies. You will oversee the management of all legal risks that intersect with the company's growth initiatives and commercial activities. This position demands a leader capable of navigating ambiguity and driving decisive action in a fast-evolving marketplace. You will establish the legal department's operational framework, processes, and long-term vision. The role requires balancing proactive legal counseling with decisive intervention in high-stakes scenarios. Ultimately, you will safeguard the company's integrity while enabling its ambitious growth trajectory.
Key facts
What you'll do
Provide strategic legal counsel on a wide array of subjects, including contract law, privacy, data protection, consumer protection, employment, and commercial litigation.
Oversee the end-to-end contract lifecycle, from initial review through execution, ensuring clarity, control, and consistency across the entire organization.
Draft and negotiate the most significant commercial agreements with merchant partners, data providers, and vendors to protect company interests.
Utilize technology and AI tools strategically to improve legal productivity, accuracy, and the overall efficiency of legal operations.
Manage and cultivate relationships with external law firms, aligning their strategic output with company goals while controlling scope and associated costs.
Establish and enforce the bar for data privacy and consumer protection compliance within a rapidly shifting regulatory environment.
Offer structured support and guidance on commercial litigation and other legal matters, converting complex business requirements into actionable legal solutions.
Provide clear direction and mentorship to Deputy General Counsels on policy development and compliance best practices.
Implement robust legal and compliance policies to guarantee company-wide adherence and mitigate potential risk exposure.
Identify emerging legal trends and translate them into proactive strategies that safeguard the business and support innovation.
Champion the use of legal technology and process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance cross-functional collaboration.
Evaluate and select external legal service providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Develop and maintain strong communication channels with business leaders to ensure legal insights are integrated into decision-making processes.
Drive initiatives that strengthen the company's compliance posture and protect its reputation in both digital and physical marketplaces.
Lead special projects and ad hoc assignments that require advanced legal judgment and discretion.
Requirements
You must hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and be in good standing with at least one US state bar.
You must possess a minimum of 15 years of documented experience as a practicing attorney, either within a corporate legal department or at a law firm.
You must have extensive, hands-on experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating large-scale commercial contracts.
You must be capable of leading complex legal matters independently with minimal or no supervision from senior leadership.
You must demonstrate sound business judgment and possess relevant industry knowledge applicable to the sectors served by the company.
You must manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and maintaining exceptional quality standards.
You must exhibit strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organization.
You must show meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational skills to handle intricate legal documents and workflows.
Preferred experience with data privacy law and related regulatory frameworks is required.
Preferred experience working within the technology industry is highly valued.
You must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.
You must be willing to commit to the hybrid work schedule, including in-office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Practical notes
This is a hybrid role based in our Washington, DC office. In-office attendance is required on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with the possibility of adjustment based on project needs and company policy updates.
The base salary for this full-time position ranges from $285,000 to $310,000, plus equity and comprehensive benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on Day 1
- Equity (ISOs)
- 401(k) program
- Family planning programs and paid parental leave
- Physical fitness and wellness memberships
- Emotional and mental health support programs
- Unlimited PTO, 10 paid federal holidays, and an annual week-long Winter Break
- Flexible work environment
- Lunch reimbursement for in-office employees
- Employee Resource Groups
- Learning and Development stipend
- Transparent culture
- Meaningful mission
We are committed to building a workplace that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you require accommodations for a disability or special need during the application or interview process, please email accommodations@upside.com.
This is an in-house search conducted with a dedicated recruiter. Please do not submit resumes to any person or email address at Upside. Upside is not liable for, and will not pay, placement fees for candidates submitted by any party or agency other than its approved recruitment partners.