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The New Frontier of Tech Law: Google's APAC Defense Counsel Opening

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, few roles are as strategically vital as that of a Regulatory and Litigation Counsel. Google's APAC Defense team in Seoul is seeking a seasoned attorney to navigate the complex interplay between innovation and regulation. This is not merely a legal job—it's a position at the epicenter of the information age, where 20th-century laws meet 21st-century problems.

As governments worldwide tighten scrutiny on data privacy, consumer protection, antitrust, and artificial intelligence, the demand for in-house counsel who can handle regulatory inquiries and litigation has never been higher. This role, based in Seoul, offers a unique vista on the Asia-Pacific regulatory landscape, a region that is home to some of the most aggressive and innovative tech regulation in the world.

Why This Role Should Be on Your Radar

This is a career-defining opportunity for attorneys who want to work at the cutting edge of law and technology. Google Legal is known for fostering an environment where legal professionals are not just advisors but key strategic partners. As part of the Regulatory Affairs team, you will help the company "innovate responsibly and comply with laws around the world," which is no small task.

"20th century laws don't always solve 21st century problems, and Google Legal crafts innovative approaches for working with some of the toughest legal challenges of the information age."

Working in Seoul places you in a hub of technological advancement, with close proximity to major tech companies and government agencies. The APAC region is a mosaic of regulatory regimes, from Korea's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) to Japan's Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI) and Australia's Privacy Act. An attorney in this role will need to be agile, culturally aware, and deeply strategic.

Dissecting the Role: Responsibilities and Impact

The primary responsibility is to lead responses to regulatory inquiries, investigations, litigation, enforcement actions, and overlapping civil matters. This goes beyond mere defense; it requires proactively minimizing regulatory risk and ensuring that external submissions and disclosures are accurate and comprehensive. Overseeing government and regulatory audits is also part of the brief, making this a high-stakes compliance and advocacy position.

Typical day-to-day responsibilities might include:

• Collaborating with global affairs, product teams, and other functions to align legal strategy with business objectives.
• Managing external counsel and coordinating multi‑jurisdictional responses.
• Advising on regulatory trends and pre‑emptively identifying compliance gaps.
• Representing Google in interactions with regulators and government bodies.

This role is designed for an attorney who thrives on complexity and can think both like a litigator and a business counselor.

Decoding the Qualifications: What Google Truly Wants

Google has outlined both minimum and preferred qualifications. Let's break down what they really mean beyond the HR-speak.

Minimum Qualifications: The Non-Negotiables

• JD, LL.B., or equivalent: You need a recognized law degree. Equivalent practical experience is also considered, but the bar admission requirement makes that rare.
• Valid bar admission: Must be admitted and in good standing, or have in-house registration, in the jurisdiction where the position is located. For Seoul, that likely means the Korean Bar, though international attorneys with in-house status may be considered.
• 3 years of attorney‑level experience: This is the floor. Whether you've been in government, in‑house, or a law firm, you need to have handled substantive legal matters.

Preferred Qualifications: The Differentiators

• 6 years of experience with a focus on regulatory and litigation matters, particularly risk mitigation.
• Board-level experience: Working with public company boards, audit committees, or special committees is rare and highly valued.
• Cross‑functional leadership: You need to prove you can manage projects and partner with diverse teams.
• Tech‑sector fluency: Experience with technology companies and complex technical issues is a huge plus.
• Legal domain expertise: Privacy, consumer protection, antitrust, IP, content moderation—these are the key legal areas that Google grapples with daily.

In short, Google is looking for a seasoned attorney who can walk into a high‑pressure situation and provide immediate strategic value. The 3‑year minimum is the entry ramp; the preferred qualifications are where the final candidate will likely shine.

Strategies to Land This APAC Defense Role

If you're serious about this opportunity, you need a deliberate approach. Here are strategies drawn from successful Google Legal hires.

1. Build a Narrative Around Regulatory Risk

Your resume and interviews must reflect a deep understanding of regulatory exposure. Use specific examples from your past matters where you successfully mitigated, navigated, or resolved regulatory challenges. Quantify outcomes wherever possible, such as "reduced potential fines by X%" or "managed a multi‑agency investigation across three jurisdictions."

2. Highlight Cross‑Border Experience

The APAC Defense role is regional, so the more cross‑border experience you have, the better. Emphasize any work involving multiple legal systems, international regulators, or global companies. Even if your experience is primarily in one country, show how you have dealt with the extraterritorial reach of laws like GDPR or U.S. sanctions.

3. Showcase Technical Comfort

You don't need to be a coder, but you must be comfortable understanding how products and platforms work. Familiarize yourself with Google's key products—Search, YouTube, Cloud, and Android—and the current legal issues affecting them. Demonstrating that you can quickly grasp the technical underpinnings of a product will set you apart.

4. Lean into Soft Skills

Google places enormous value on "Googleyness"—being collaborative, open‑minded, and ethically grounded. Show evidence of being a team player, whether through cross‑functional projects, mentoring, or even crisis management. The role explicitly requires "excellent attention to detail, with an action‑oriented approach and a commitment to meeting the highest standards of integrity." Embed those qualities in your narrative.

5. Leverage Your Network

LinkedIn applies show a high applicant count (135+ already). An employee referral can boost your odds. Reach out to current or former Google Legal team members, particularly those in APAC, and ask for insights. Their referral plus your demonstrated excellence can make a difference.

The Career Trajectory: Where This Role Can Take You

Joining Google Legal as Regulatory and Litigation Counsel is not just a job; it's a launchpad. In-house tech attorneys at this level often progress to senior counsel, legal director, or even General Counsel roles. You'll gain exposure to cutting‑edge issues like AI regulation, platform governance, and digital sovereignty, making you a highly sought‑after expert in a niche field.

"The APAC region is the world's most dynamic arena for tech regulation. Being the counsel who navigates Google through this landscape is not just a job—it is a professional mastery program."

Moreover, the networks you build with regulators, policymakers, and business leaders in Seoul and across the region will serve you throughout your career. Whether you stay in‑house, move to a law firm as a partner, or join the public sector, the experience is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there a specific application deadline for this role?
The job posting does not specify a deadline. Google typically collects applications on a rolling basis, but due to the high volume, it is advisable to apply sooner rather than later.

Q2: Can international attorneys apply if they are not admitted to the Korean Bar?
The posting requires admission to the bar or authorization to practice law in the state where the position is located. However, Google sometimes sponsors in‑house registration or considers foreign‑qualified lawyers with relevant experience. It's best to express your interest and ask about accommodation in your application.

Q3: What are the most important skills for this role in your opinion?
While legal expertise is a given, the differentiators are: (1) strategic regulatory risk management, (2) ability to work across cultures and time zones, (3) understanding of technology and products, and (4) exceptional written and oral communication for regulator‑facing interactions.

Q4: Does Google offer relocation assistance for this position?
Information about relocation is not provided in the public job posting. Candidates are encouraged to discuss relocation packages with the Google recruitment team during the interview process.

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