Principal Corporate Counsel

Cisco; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems Canada Co. is seeking a Principal Corporate Counsel to serve as a strategic legal advisor supporting Canadian sales teams with complex technology contracts, licenses, cloud and SaaS deals, and regulatory compliance.

You will lead risk assessments, mentor teams, and collaborate with global legal to ensure alignment with Cisco's strategy while emphasizing data protection and information security.

Qualifications

• Bar admission or JD with 7+ years of experience in commercial/corporate law.
• Proven ability to independently draft and negotiate sophisticated tech contracts.
• Substantive expertise in data protection and information security in transactions.
• Familiarity with public procurement and tendering rules a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide transactional support to Canadian sales teams for complex technology contracts.
• Draft and negotiate software licenses, cloud/SaaS, and channel agreements.
• Offer high-level risk assessments and regulatory guidance aligned with Cisco strategy.
• Integrate AI tools to improve legal research and contract review efficiency.
• Coordinate with global teams to implement corporate policies and governance.

Skills

Bar admission/JD

Commercial law

Corporate law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Data protection

Information security

Public procurement

CLM platforms

AI in legal tools

Education

JD or LLB

Tools

CLM platforms

AI-powered legal tools

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/29/2026 Members of the Legal organization at select locations will generally be expected to follow a hybrid work model.

Meet The Team

You will join a dynamic in-house legal department that is actively redefining the practice of law through technology, both internally and on a global scale. We thrive in a fast-paced environment where our team's shared passion drives Cisco's business growth and enables our customers' digital transformation journeys.

Your Impact

As a Principal Corporate Counsel for Cisco Systems Canada Co., you will serve as a strategic legal advisor, driving operational excellence and commercial success. You will provide comprehensive transactional support to our Canadian sales teams, leading the drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements-including software licenses, product and service purchases, cloud and XaaS agreements, and channel and alliance partnerships. By partnering directly with management, you will provide high-level risk assessments and practical, solution-oriented mentorship that advances our business objectives while ensuring strict alignment with Cisco's global strategy. Your scope includes a specialized focus on data protection, security, and regulatory frameworks. A key aspect of this role is your dedication to innovation; you will actively integrate AI technologies into your daily practice to optimize legal research, accelerate contract analysis, and improve the efficiency of document reviews. In addition to your regional responsibilities, you will participate in key global initiatives alongside cross-functional legal teams to drive wider organizational alignment. By coordinating the implementation of corporate legal policies, you will uphold our high standards for governance and compliance. Throughout these efforts, you will act as a vital bridge between the legal department and internal stakeholders, ensuring our processes remain agile, scalable, and fully responsive to the fast-evolving needs of the sales environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional Experience: Bar Admission or JD with 7+ years of experience in commercial and corporate law, gained at a top-tier law firm, a multinational corporate legal department, or equivalent practice (technology, data protection, or telecommunications).
• Contractual Expertise: Proven track record to independently draft and negotiate sophisticated commercial technology contracts, including software licenses, cloud, and SaaS agreements.
• Data & Security: Substantive expertise in data protection and information security as applied to commercial transactions.
• Procurement Knowledge: Familiarity with public procurement and tendering rules, with a track record of supporting public RFPs considered a significant asset.
• Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in enterprise communications systems and contract lifecycle management (CLM) platforms, with a demonstrated ability to integrate AI-powered legal tools into daily operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agility & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, managing shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving workloads with ease.
• Continuous Improvement: A natural curiosity and drive to learn, paired with a commitment to applying those insights to enhance personal workflows and team efficiency.
• Client-Centric Approach : A professional who demonstrates respect and maintains a positive, customer-centric attitude in all circumstances.
• Language & Location : Proficiency in both English and French is preferred. The ideal candidate will be based in Toronto.

"Cisco may use AI Tools to review candidate-provided details-such as skills, experience, location, and education-to determine how closely candidates match job criteria. AI Tools are intended to guide and support the recruitment team in identifying and prioritizing candidates but are not used in isolation or without human judgment. For more information about Cisco's use of AI, please see the Job Candidate Privacy Statement found here."

Conseiller juridique principal en entreprise

Les membres de l'organisation juridique de certains sites seront généralement tenus de suivre un modèle de travail hybride.

Rencontrez l'équipe

Vous rejoindrez un service juridique interne dynamique qui redéfinit activement la pratique du droit grâce à la technologie, tant à l'interne qu'à l'échelle mondiale. Nous prospérons dans un environnement dynamique où la passion commune de notre équipe stimule la croissance commerciale de Cisco et favorise les parcours de transformation numérique de nos clients.

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