At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal operations and shape compliance strategies in a high-growth AI SaaS company.
- Company: Venture-backed AI business transforming document-heavy industries with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and clear progression towards General Counsel role.
- Other info: Work closely with founders and senior leadership in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join early and make a significant impact on global legal strategy.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in commercial contracts and data protection.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re working with a venture-backed, high-growth AI business that’s redefining how complex, document-heavy industries operate. Their platform leverages advanced AI to turn unstructured data into actionable, auditable insight for global enterprise clients. With strong funding, international reach (US, EMEA, APAC), and ambitious plans for scale, this is a rare opportunity to join early and build a legal function from the ground up.
The Opportunity
This is a first in-house legal hire stepping in as Sole Counsel, working closely with senior leadership and acting as a true business partner. You’ll take full ownership of legal across the organisation - building scalable frameworks, enabling global commercial growth, and shaping the company’s risk and compliance strategy as it expands internationally. This role offers high visibility, autonomy, and a clear path toward a future GC position.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Commercial (c.50%)
- Lead all customer and commercial contracting (NDAs, MSAs, DPAs, SaaS agreements)
- Partner with sales on enterprise negotiations, including US-led deals
- Develop and refine contract templates, playbooks, and processes
- Manage external counsel where required
- Compliance & Risk (c.30%)
- Own data protection and privacy frameworks (UK GDPR, cross-border data flows)
- Support and manage certifications (e.g. ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- Advise on emerging regulation, including AI-related risk
- Oversee vendor risk and data-sharing arrangements
- Corporate, Employment & Generalist (c.20%)
- Support international expansion and entity structuring
- Handle employment matters and internal legal queries
- Assist with corporate governance and investor-related work
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales), ideally 4+ PQE
- Strong grounding in commercial contracts, ideally within SaaS or tech
- Experience in a high-growth or fast-paced environment (in-house or relevant private practice exposure)
- Practical knowledge of data protection and compliance frameworks
- Commercially minded, pragmatic, and comfortable operating autonomously
- Ambitious, with the drive to build and scale a legal function
Why This Role Stands Out
- True Sole Counsel role with end-to-end ownership
- Work directly with founders and senior leadership
- Join a business with global reach and clear scaling trajectory
- Opportunity to shape legal strategy from an early stage
- Clear progression toward General Counsel
- 1 day per week in the office
Apply / Enquire
If you’re interested in a high-impact legal role at the forefront of AI and SaaS, get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Sole Counsel | High-Growth AI SaaS in London employer: Taylor Root
Join a pioneering AI SaaS company that is not only redefining industry standards but also offers an exceptional work culture focused on innovation and collaboration. As the Sole Counsel, you will enjoy unparalleled autonomy and visibility while shaping the legal framework of a rapidly scaling business, with ample opportunities for professional growth and a clear path to a General Counsel position. With a commitment to employee development and a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a high-growth setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Counsel | High-Growth AI SaaS in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI and SaaS sectors, especially those who are already in legal roles. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past work, especially any contracts or compliance frameworks you've developed. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we're working with, and express your interest in contributing to their legal function.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application and stand out from the crowd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Counsel | High-Growth AI SaaS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience with commercial contracts, especially in SaaS or tech, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant data protection knowledge. We want to see how you can bring value to our high-growth AI business!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Sole Counsel role. Share your passion for AI and how your background aligns with our mission. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build a legal function from the ground up!
Showcase Your Autonomy:In your application, emphasise your ability to work independently and make decisions. This role offers high visibility and autonomy, so we want to know how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Let us see your proactive side!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, especially NDAs, MSAs, and SaaS agreements. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks relevant to AI and data protection, as this will show that you're not just a qualified solicitor but someone who understands the unique challenges of the industry.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role is all about being a business partner, so be prepared to discuss how you've previously aligned legal strategies with business goals. Think of examples where your legal expertise has directly contributed to commercial success or risk mitigation in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
Since this position involves building a legal function from the ground up, highlight your experience in taking ownership of projects. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed legal matters independently, showcasing your ability to operate autonomously while still collaborating effectively with senior leadership.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's growth trajectory and legal challenges. Inquire about their current compliance frameworks or how they envision the legal function evolving as they scale. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as someone who is already thinking strategically about the role.
