At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal function, manage contracts, and protect the business in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing, remote SaaS company in the exciting AI sector.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a legal team and influence company strategy.
- Why this job: Be the key legal voice and shape the future of a dynamic tech company.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in-house experience with US tech/SaaS companies and strong contract negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Our client is a fast-growing, venture-backed SaaS company in the AI space, serving a large, global customer base. The business is fully remote with a distributed, global team.
The Role
You'll own the legal function day to day — hands-on, pragmatic, and commercially minded. As the senior legal voice in the company, you'll work directly with leadership on a broad mandate: keep deals moving, protect the business, and use good judgment about what to handle in-house versus when to bring in outside counsel. You'll start as the sole senior legal hire and build out the legal function as the company grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commercial contracting — customer agreements, MSAs, DPAs, and vendor, partner, contractor, and consulting agreements — with fast turnaround and a commercial mindset that unblocks the business and flags only what truly matters.
- Manage disputes and demand letters — assess exposure, set strategy, and coordinate with outside counsel and insurers.
- Handle corporate matters — the insurance program (D&O/E&O renewals and claims), corporate governance, entity management, and support for financing or M&A activity as it arises.
- Coordinate employment law matters across the US, UK, Canada, and other jurisdictions with international contractors — agreements, background checks, terminations, and employer-of-record arrangements.
- Protect intellectual property and trademarks, including handling infringement matters.
- Partner closely with the compliance/privacy function on data protection matters (e.g., GDPR/CCPA, DPAs), serving as the legal backstop on compliance issues.
- Manage outside counsel relationships — selecting the right firms, scoping work narrowly, reviewing bills, and keeping quality high and costs controlled.
- Advise on legal matters related to people and people operations.
What You'll Bring
- 8+ years post-qualification experience, with significant time advising US tech/SaaS companies.
- In-house SaaS experience with deep US commercial law fluency alongside familiarity with UK/EU legal frameworks.
- Comfort operating as the sole senior legal hire initially, with the ability to build out an in-house legal team over time.
- Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills across the full commercial contract stack.
- Experience managing disputes and outside counsel relationships end to end.
- Based in the UK or Canada.
Nice to Have
- Background in B2B data or data-driven products.
- Experience supporting a company through a financing round or M&A process.
- Familiarity with email/marketing technology or adjacent regulated product areas.
- Familiarity with the sales engagement or lead intelligence software market.
- Experience at a fast-growing, remote-first company.
Head of Legal / General Counsel employer: Remote People
Remote People is an exceptional employer that champions a remote-first work culture, allowing you to thrive in a flexible environment while making a significant impact as the Senior Global Legal Leader. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the legal function from the ground up, ensuring your contributions are recognised and valued. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that prioritises innovation and collaboration, all while enjoying the benefits of working remotely across the UK and Canada.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal / General Counsel
✨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 Remote People, 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 / General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Remote People, 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 Remote People and the specific role of Head of Legal / General Counsel. 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 Remote People’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Remote People
✨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 Remote People.
✨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 Remote People.
