GRADUATE LEGAL COUNSEL - TECH SECTOR

Canonical; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in open source software is seeking a Graduate Legal Counsel. This role offers the chance to work on technology-related transactional matters and requires strong academic credentials and communication skills. The position is home-based with opportunities for travel and collaboration across teams.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Regular compensation reviews and performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits including leave, parental leave, and wellness programs

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic achievement at high school and university levels.
• Active license or progress towards licensure.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts globally.
• Providing legal support to internal teams, including sales.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams on company initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Law degree (JD or equivalent)

Job description

Join to apply for the Graduate Legal Counsel - Tech Sector role at Canonical.

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing, with a global team of over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, mostly working remotely.

We are expanding our in-house legal team and seeking an exceptional recent graduate for the role of junior Legal Advisor or Legal Counsel. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record and social engagement, with the opportunity to work on transactional matters in technology and enterprise software, including contracts related to global employment, partnerships, and commercial transactions. We prioritize ability over experience; applicants should have a relevant degree and demonstrate good commercial judgment, organization, efficiency, and a desire to provide high-quality legal advice.

This position is home-based in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or the Americas, with an option to work from our London office.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Reporting to the global general counsel.
2. Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts globally.
3. Providing legal support to internal teams, including sales.
4. Collaborating with cross-functional teams on company initiatives.
5. Managing contract data via Canonical’s contract management system.
6. Working with local counsel in various countries for legal advice and compliance.

Qualifications and skills:

1. Exceptional academic achievement at high school and university levels.
2. Law degree (JD or equivalent) with active license or progress towards licensure.
3. Drive, organization, and ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
4. Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
5. Effective teamwork and independence.
6. Interest in technology demonstrated through personal projects.
7. Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
8. Willingness to travel twice a year for company events.

Nice-to-have skills:

1. Experience in commercial transactions, IP, or corporate law.
2. Leadership qualities and influence skills.
3. Understanding of open source community and values.
4. Knowledge of the technology industry and in-house legal work.

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000.
• Regular compensation reviews and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits including leave, parental leave, wellness programs, and travel opportunities.

At Canonical, we value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity employment. We seek individuals who are innovative, motivated, and eager to learn in a dynamic environment.