Senior Product Counsel

About the role

Verkada is on the lookout for an experienced legal expert to enhance our expanding product legal team. This role involves providing comprehensive legal guidance throughout the entire product development process. Reporting directly to the Associate General Counsel for Product, you will be responsible for identifying and managing legal risks associated with both our hardware and software offerings. This is a full-time position that requires you to work on-site at our headquarters in San Mateo, California.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the main legal liaison for various departments, including engineering, supply chain, product management, and marketing, ensuring seamless product development and sales processes.
• Provide strategic legal advice to company leadership regarding potential legal risks while developing compliance frameworks that align with business objectives.
• Simplify intricate regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal teams to follow.
• Oversee product launch procedures to guarantee adherence to international laws and regulations.
• Manage compliance with regulations related to government procurement, including standards set by BAA, TAA, and NDAA.
• Establish internal controls and audit mechanisms to ensure compliance with export regulations such as ITAR, OFAC, and specific AI export controls.
• Monitor global legal developments to evaluate their implications for current and future product offerings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that legal considerations are integrated into product design and marketing strategies.
• Conduct training sessions for internal teams on compliance and regulatory matters to foster a culture of legal awareness.
• Review and negotiate contracts related to product development and partnerships, ensuring that all agreements align with legal and business standards.
• Provide ongoing support for product modifications and updates, ensuring that all changes comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate identified legal risks associated with product offerings.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and active membership in at least one state bar association.
• A minimum of 6 years of legal experience, with a focus on product counseling, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, marketing, and transactional law.
• At least 2 years of experience working in-house within a legal department.
• Proven experience collaborating with multinational corporations on hardware and software product lines.
• Specialized knowledge in at least one area, such as federal procurement (including FedRAMP, FIPs, NDAA), alarm and fire safety licensing, or regulations governing connected devices in the U.S. and EU.
• Strong ability to deliver clear, practical legal and business advice while managing competing priorities effectively.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in a technology-focused legal role, particularly within a startup or high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with privacy laws and regulations, particularly those affecting technology products.
• Experience working with international legal frameworks and compliance issues.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience drafting complex legal agreements.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their regulatory implications.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in regulatory compliance and understanding of government procurement laws.
• Familiarity with export control frameworks, including ITAR and OFAC regulations.
• Expertise in product counseling and intellectual property law.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Practical notes

• Candidates must possess independent work authorization in the United States, as we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.
• Our benefits package includes full employer coverage for at least one medical plan, 80% coverage for family premiums, options for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), mental health support services, paid parental leave, and daily catered lunches.
• Compensation may also include equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and discretionary bonuses based on performance.