At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for a fast-growing tech company across multiple regions.
- Company: Join PatSnap, a global leader in AI-powered IP and innovation intelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a vibrant culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping legal strategies that drive business success.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of legal experience, especially in tech or SaaS environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Legal to lead the legal function across PatSnap's Western region, supporting our operations across the UK, North America and Canada. Reporting to senior leadership, you will be responsible for providing strategic legal counsel across corporate transactions, commercial contracting, governance, legal risk and international business operations. As a trusted advisor to the executive team, you will play a key role in supporting business growth, enabling strategic decision-making and ensuring legal considerations align with commercial objectives.
This is a broad, high-impact leadership role with responsibility for leading complex M&A activity, supporting international expansion, partnering with stakeholders across Finance, Sales, Product and People, and working closely with colleagues across APAC to ensure a globally aligned legal function. We're looking for a commercially astute legal leader with strong technical expertise, sound judgement and the ability to balance legal risk with business opportunity. Someone who builds trusted relationships, influences at senior levels and sees legal as a strategic partner to the business.
PatSnap is a global, pre-IPO company helping organisations make better decisions across Intellectual Property and Research & Development. Our platform supports IP, legal, innovation and R&D teams throughout the innovation lifecycle, using domain-specific AI to help them work faster and make more confident decisions. With over 12,000 customers worldwide, including some of the biggest names in innovation, PatSnap is at the forefront of AI-powered IP and innovation intelligence. Our $300M Series E funding round brought our valuation to $1 billion unicorn status, and we still have a remarkable amount of growth ahead. We have a vibrant and diverse team with offices in Singapore, Toronto, London and Shanghai, alongside remote teams in the US. Our growth is powered by our people, and we are proud of our shared ambition, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
What You'll be Doing:
- Strategic Transactions & Corporate: Lead complex M&A activity across the Western region, managing transactions from due diligence and deal structuring through to negotiation and post-acquisition integration. Support strategic investments, partnerships and joint ventures, while negotiating high-value commercial agreements and enterprise contracts. Partner with Finance and executive leadership on corporate governance and strategic business initiatives.
- Legal Risk & Governance: Provide commercially focused legal advice that enables business growth while effectively managing legal, regulatory and operational risk. Develop and enhance legal governance frameworks, policies and processes that support a scaling international business. Monitor legal and regulatory developments across the Western region and advise leadership on their business impact.
- Disputes, Litigation & Intellectual Property: Lead litigation and dispute resolution across the Western region, managing external counsel to achieve pragmatic and commercially balanced outcomes. Oversee intellectual property matters, advising on patents, trademarks, licensing and IP considerations within commercial transactions and product development.
- Cross-Regional Collaboration & Strategic Leadership: Act as the key legal partner between the Western business and APAC teams, supporting cross-border transactions and ensuring legal alignment across regions. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, partnering with Finance, Sales, Product and People teams to provide practical, business-focused legal counsel. Identify opportunities to improve legal operations, streamline processes and help shape the future of PatSnap's Western legal function.
What We'd Love From You:
- 10+ years of combined legal experience, with significant time spent in-house at a high-growth technology or SaaS company.
- Proven experience leading or playing a central role in M&A transactions — from due diligence through to completion.
- Strong background in corporate law, commercial transactions, and legal risk management.
- Demonstrated ability to manage litigation and disputes, including experience engaging and directing external counsel cost-effectively.
- Qualified solicitor; comfortable navigating multi-jurisdictional legal environments.
- Commercially astute with the ability to balance legal risk with business pragmatism and budget awareness.
- Exceptional negotiation skills and a track record of delivering favourable outcomes on complex deals.
- Strong communicator — able to distil complex legal matters into clear, concise guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
Nice to Have:
- Mandarin language skills and/or experience working closely with Chinese or broader APAC business teams — highly advantageous given the cross-regional nature of this role.
- Experience with IP law, data privacy (GDPR, PIPEDA, CCPA), or regulatory compliance in a SaaS/technology context.
- Exposure to cross-border transactions bridging Western and Asian markets.
- Prior experience working with investment firms, private equity, or venture-backed companies.
- Familiarity with both UK, US and Canadian corporate law.
PatSnap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (EOE) that champions diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, or marital, veteran/military, or disability status, or any other protected status in accordance with federal, provincial/state or local laws.
Even if you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply and tell us why you’d be a great fit for this role! If you require any accommodations during the interview process, please email us at [email protected] so we can best support you.
Head of Legal employer: Patsnap
PatSnap is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and diversity, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of patent drafting. Located in a vibrant area, PatSnap provides unique opportunities for collaboration and growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Patsnap, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Patsnap, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Patsnap and the specific role of Head of Legal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Patsnap’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Patsnap
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Patsnap.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Patsnap.
