At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial legal functions and manage complex negotiations in AI SaaS licensing.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge AI lab with a talented team from top tech companies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on regional expansion and compliance.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation while shaping legal strategies across EMEA.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in commercial contracts, experience in high-velocity tech preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are an applied AI lab building end-to-end software agents. We're the makers of Devin, the first AI software engineer, and Windsurf, the AI-native IDE. Together, they represent our vision for collaborative AI teammates that enable engineers to focus on more interesting problems and empower teams to strive for more ambitious goals. Our team is small and talent-dense. Among our founding team, we have world-class competitive programmers, former founders, and leaders from companies at the cutting edge of AI including Scale AI, Palantir, Cursor, Waymo, Tesla, Lunchclub, Modal, Google DeepMind, and Nuro. Building Devin and Windsurf is just the first step—our hardest challenges still lie ahead. If you’re excited to solve some of the world’s biggest problems and build AI that can reason on real-world tasks, apply to join us.
About the Role
As Commercial Counsel for EMEA, you will sit at the centre of a fast-moving commercial legal function, managing a high-volume workflow of complex negotiations across AI SaaS licensing, marketing, and partnership agreements. You will be the primary legal voice in enterprise-level deals, balancing risk and reward with pragmatism and speed, and ensuring closures that are both fair and commercially sound. This role carries real weight. You will serve as the connective tissue between EMEA markets and a US-based technical and operational team, translating local legal and regulatory requirements into guidance that non-legal stakeholders can act on. That means deep fluency in GDPR, the EU AI Act, DORA, and the broader compliance landscape across the region, and the confidence to advise clearly under pressure. Beyond day-to-day deal work, you will play a meaningful part in the company's regional expansion, working cross-functionally to establish and launch new markets across EMEA. If you want a legal role with genuine strategic scope, this is it.
In this role you will:
- Lead responsibility for all GTM deals and contract work out of EU and MENA
- Manage GDPR compliance and DPAs
- Manage local regulatory compliance (DORA, EU AI Act, EU Data Act, etc.)
- Manage a high-volume workflow, redlining and negotiating key legal documents, including Licensing, SaaS agreements, and NDAs
- Provide crucial legal guidance, balancing risk/reward, with an understanding of local requirements and parlaying that to a US-based technical and operational team
- Engage with enterprise-level counsel, ensuring swift and fair deal closures
- Advise on compliance with local regulations, including GDPR, EU AI Act, and DORA
- Work collaboratively across teams to establish and launch new markets in EMEA, including providing regulatory and compliance guidance for operating in new regions
Ideally you have:
- 7+ years experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, including international trans-national commercial arrangements
- Experience with high-velocity tech company preferred
- Transnational body of work, including Europe, Middle East, and Asia/South Asia
- Must have experience working from local market for US-based company
- Bonus if experience includes launching new markets in EU/MENA localities
Equal Opportunity
Cognition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process - please let us know if you need any.
Commercial Counsel - Europe London employer: Windsurf Inc.
Cognition is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets collaboration. As part of a small, elite team of AI pioneers, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal work that directly impacts the company's strategic growth across EMEA. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diverse perspectives, Cognition empowers its team members to tackle complex challenges while fostering a supportive atmosphere for professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Counsel - Europe London
✨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 Windsurf Inc., 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
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Counsel - Europe London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Windsurf Inc., 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 Windsurf Inc. and the specific role of Commercial Counsel - Europe London. 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 Windsurf Inc.’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Windsurf Inc.
✨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 Windsurf Inc..
✨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 Windsurf Inc..
