Commercial Counsel

About the role

Waymo is seeking a talented and experienced Commercial Counsel to join our legal team in Mountain View, California. This position is crucial for supporting our mission to make transportation safer and more accessible through autonomous driving technology. As a Commercial Counsel, you will provide legal guidance on a variety of commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while also facilitating business objectives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including business development, engineering, and product management, to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive strategic initiatives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including but not limited to partnerships, licensing, and vendor contracts, to support Waymo's business operations and growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide legal advice that aligns with strategic objectives while managing risk effectively.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to stay updated on relevant laws and regulations impacting the autonomous vehicle industry and technology sector.
• Advise on compliance matters related to data privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that Waymo adheres to all applicable legal standards.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline contract management processes and enhance operational efficiency within the legal department.
• Support the negotiation and execution of joint ventures and strategic alliances, providing legal insights that facilitate successful collaborations.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to assess legal risks associated with new products and services, offering proactive solutions to mitigate potential issues.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal best practices, contract interpretation, and compliance matters to foster a culture of legal awareness within the organization.
• Assist in dispute resolution efforts, including managing litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes, to protect Waymo's interests.
• Stay informed about industry trends and developments, sharing insights with the legal team and broader organization to inform strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the legal function by identifying areas for enhancement and implementing best practices in legal operations.
• Engage with external legal counsel as needed, managing relationships and ensuring alignment with Waymo's objectives and standards.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in California.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a corporate legal environment, with a focus on commercial contracts and technology law.
• Proven track record of negotiating and drafting complex commercial agreements, preferably within the technology or automotive sectors.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property law, data privacy regulations, and compliance issues relevant to autonomous vehicles and emerging technologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts in an accessible manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to ethical practices and compliance with legal standards.

Nice to have

• Experience working in-house at a technology or automotive company, particularly in the autonomous vehicle space.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing autonomous vehicles and transportation, including federal and state laws.
• Previous experience in a startup environment or with emerging technologies, demonstrating adaptability and innovative thinking.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management software.
• Familiarity with project management tools and collaboration platforms to enhance team efficiency.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, for document preparation and analysis.

Practical notes

• This position is based in Mountain View, CA, and may require occasional travel for meetings or conferences.
• Candidates should be prepared to provide references and undergo a background check as part of the hiring process.
• Waymo is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join Waymo as a Commercial Counsel and be part of a groundbreaking team that is shaping the future of transportation. If you are passionate about technology and law, and you thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply and contribute to our mission of making roads safer for everyone.