In-House Business Contracts Attorney

Cooley is seeking an In-House Business Contracts Attorney to join the Risk & Compliance team.

Position summary: Guided by department objectives and priorities, the In-House Business Contracts Attorney drafts, edits and reviews business vendor, and service provider contracts for the firm. Will lead contact negotiation processes and build strong collaborative relationships internally and externally to drive strong, time-sensitive results. Will also demonstrate strong business acumen in negotiations and applied legal expertise, with emphasis on technology, purchase and sale transactions. Ensures client service and satisfaction are attained in all areas of position.

Position responsibilities:

• Draft review and negotiate business contracts to support business objectives and policies of the firm; lead and collaborate throughout contracting processes by analyzing significant business, financial and legal risks; develop and communicate creative solutions and mitigation strategies for key negotiation points. Contract types include: software, professional services, master service agreements, SOW documents that include contract terms, cloud services, DPA (data protection agreements), etc
• Apply advanced knowledge of contract laws, firm policies, processes and industry standard practices to drive a successful close to the firm's business contracts and deals with respect to contract terms and strategic position for future needs
• Procter the firm's business interests by including appropriate provisions in contracts for resolving disputes between parties; clearly document areas of potential conflicts, such as payment terms, assignments rights, etc. to ensure potential disputes are minimized
• Collaborate with department representatives and firm leaders to understand upcoming contract needs for new deals and renewals; prioritize deal support in planning process; implement legal strategy to focus on high value activities
• Ensure key contracts, firm procurement initiatives and sourcing strategies are aligned with the overall priorities of the firm's legal function, paying special attention to privacy/data security and risk management practices as they develop. Track firm policy decisions; ensure that policies and contract preferences are incorporated in to contracts. Spot potential risks in business transactions and raise appropriately
• Demonstrate understanding of independent auditor and insurer policies and practices and their role in compliance assurance and determination of risk

Skills and experience:

Required:

• JD degree
• 5+ years of contracts, negotiation or equivalent experience in a large law firm or corporation
• Experience drafting technology, purchase, sale, software license, content license, outsourcing, professional service, real estate leases, general contractor and architectural agreements
• Advanced knowledge of key laws, processes and industry practices applicable to business contracts and leases

Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely
• Ability to analyze needs and to determine priorities based on business objectives
• Strong sense of accountability

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices

EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $155,000 - $205,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate. Senior level candidates may be considered for this position and would be eligible for a higher salary range based on experience.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.