Senior Legal Counsel in London

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day. Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead. At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves. We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast

Job Description: The Senior Legal Counsel – Product & Commercial is a critical hire for Darktrace’s global legal team. Reporting to the VP & Associate General Counsel based in the UK, this senior lawyer will serve as the primary legal partner to Darktrace’s Product and Engineering organizations, advising on the full spectrum of product-related legal matters—from AI governance and responsible-AI principles to data privacy by design, product terms, and regulatory considerations for cybersecurity and AI products. As a secondary focus, this role will also support Darktrace’s commercial contracting function, negotiating and structuring complex SaaS and technology transactions. This position carries supervisory responsibility for a small team of 1–2 direct reports.

What will I be doing:

• Product Counseling (Primary Focus)
• Serve as the lead legal advisor to Darktrace’s Product and Engineering teams, providing guidance throughout the entire product lifecycle—from ideation and design through development, launch, and post-launch iteration.
• Advise on AI governance, responsible-AI principles, and ethical considerations embedded in Darktrace’s product roadmap, ensuring products meet evolving regulatory expectations.
• Counsel on data privacy and cybersecurity-by-design requirements, helping product teams build compliance into the architecture of Darktrace’s solutions from the outset.
• Draft, review, and maintain product terms, end-user license agreements (EULAs), acceptable use policies, product documentation, and public-facing product claims.
• Conduct legal reviews of new features, product integrations, and go-to-market strategies, identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risks before launch.
• Monitor and advise on regulatory developments affecting AI and cybersecurity products globally, including the EU AI Act, UK AI frameworks, and emerging U.S. AND E.U. AI legislation.
• Commercial Contracts (Secondary Focus)
• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial agreements, including SaaS subscription agreements, master service agreements, reseller and channel partner agreements, professional services agreements, and NDAs.
• Advise on deal-specific risk issues, including liability caps, indemnification, data handling obligations, and service-level commitments.
• Develop and maintain standard contract templates, playbooks, and clause libraries to drive consistency and efficiency across the commercial contracting function.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and Go-to-Market teams to close transactions efficiently while appropriately managing legal and commercial risk.
• Team Leadership & Supervision
• Manage and mentor 1–2 direct reports (e.g., a Legal Counsel and/or paralegals), reviewing their work product, providing developmental feedback, and supporting their professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture aligned with Darktrace’s values and the broader legal department’s objectives.
• Additional Support & Cross-Functional Work
• Partner with the Risk & Privacy team on GDPR and global data privacy compliance initiatives as they relate to product design and data handling.
• Support the Research Centre in Cambridge on IP considerations tied to Darktrace’s growing patent portfolio and product development.

What experience do I need:

• Law degree and qualification as a solicitor (England & Wales), barrister, or equivalent legal qualification; candidates with a J.D. and active U.S. bar admission will also be considered.
• Extensive post-qualification legal experience, with a demonstrated progression of responsibility.
• Required prior in-house experience at a software or technology company advising on product-related legal matters—this is essential and non-negotiable.
• Strong product counseling skills, including the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into practical, actionable guidance for product and engineering teams.
• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation skills, with direct experience handling SaaS, licensing, and technology agreements.
• Excellent judgment in balancing legal risk with business objectives, with a bias toward enabling the business to move forward.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior lawyers, paralegals, or legal support staff.
• Clear, concise communicator who can influence senior stakeholders and translate legal concepts for non-legal audiences.
• Comfort working across time zones and with global, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) and cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, SOC 2, ISO 27001).
• Direct experience with AI governance, responsible AI, or AI ethics programs.
• CIPP/E certification.

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service.
• Additional day off for your birthday.
• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children.
• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability. Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.

Summary

Location: London Office, United Kingdom; Cambridge Office, United Kingdom
Type: Full time