Senior Legal Counsel

Protex AI; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Laptop

Employee Share Option Programme

Pension Scheme

Health Insurance & Wellbeing Allowance

Truly Unlimited Holidays

Remote and Hybrid working

Job summary

Protex AI in Ireland seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to guide our SaaS contracting, privacy, and AI compliance as we scale our technology platform. You will work closely with Sales, Engineering and Finance to ensure compliant, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities include leading privacy programs, managing data protection activities, advising on global AI legislation, and mentoring a junior associate within a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of practice in Ireland and/or United Kingdom.
• Startup in-house experience preferred.
• Proven experience negotiating SaaS contracts and data protection agreements.
• Strong knowledge of EU AI Act and data security concepts.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate SaaS commercial contracts across teams.
• Provide privacy and data protection guidance for products and processes.
• Advise on AI regulation and global compliance requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor privacy programs and risk assessments.
• Mentor and supervise junior legal staff.

Skills

Privacy by design

Regulatory compliance

SaaS contracts

Data protection

AI legislation

Cross-border data transfers

Contract negotiation

Training & guidance

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

• As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be at the forefront of business growth for a fast-paced startup
• You’ll provide comprehensive legal guidance on our SaaS offerings, manage commercial contracts, and ensure our products meet evolving global AI standards
• Working closely with Sales, Engineering, and Finance teams, you’ll help navigate complex regulatory landscapes while enabling business growth
• You’ll develop and implement privacy programs, conduct risk assessments, and serve as our primary advisor on AI legislation worldwide
• This position offers a unique opportunity to shape commercial and AI strategies at a growing technology company, while working with cutting-edge AI products that are transforming workplace safety
• Collaborate with various departments to draft streamlined SaaS commercial contracts
• Support Sales & Engineering teams with legal issues by answering questions in the pre-sales process for new commercial contracts
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in law, providing legal advice on commercial and privacy matters, including regulations and industry standards
• Provide legal advice on privacy and data protection issues
• Monitor proactively Worldwide AI legislation efforts
• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance and privacy programs and policies
• Conduct impact and risk assessments, as well as data protection
• Review and negotiate data protection agreements
• Provide training and guidance to employees on privacy-related matters
• Work with external regulators and stakeholders on privacy issues
• Support product counselling efforts to ensure compliance with AI laws and promote responsible/ethical AI development
• Manage and mentor a junior legal associate

Benefits

• Company Laptop (Choice of Mac or Windows)
• Participation in Employee Share Option Programme
• Monthly Company Events
• Pension Scheme
• Health Insurance & Wellbeing Allowance
• Truly Unlimited Holidays
• Nomad Working for 20 Days
• Remote and Hybrid working opportunities

Requirements

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated record of success and interest in shaping policy and communication strategies
• Ability to provide training and guidance on privacy-related matters
• Organised with excellent analytical, written, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills
• Curiosity and passion about the AI field and Protex’s products and services
• Experience advising on cross-border data transfers
• Experienced with negotiating and reviewing SaaS contracts
• 8+ years of practising law in Ireland and/or United Kingdom, with 2+ years in-house and 2+ years commercial experience (startup experience preferred)
• Experience working with external regulators and stakeholders
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
• Strong grasp of recent regulations including EU AI Act, and state AI acts in the U.S
• Strong understanding of data security principles and practices (including privacy impact assessments and data protection audits)