Graduate Legal Counsel - Tech Sector

Canonical; Tucson (AZ); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a recent graduate for the Graduate Legal Counsel role. This exciting position offers the chance to work on transactional matters in technology and enterprise software, collaborating with a global legal team. The role emphasizes ability over experience, making it ideal for driven individuals with a law degree. Enjoy a distributed work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth, alongside a yearly learning budget. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Yearly learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for travel

Qualifications

• Excellent academic record from high school and university.
• Proactive attitude with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts globally.
• Provide legal support to internal teams, including sales.

Skills

Legal Research

Contract Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

English Communication

Education

Law Degree (JD or equivalent)

Job description

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

About 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. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, and few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times annually in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

Job Overview

We are expanding our in-house legal team and seeking an exceptional recent graduate for the role of junior Legal Advisor or junior Legal Counsel. The ideal candidate will be rigorous, effective, with a strong academic record and social engagement. You will work on transactional matters in technology and enterprise software, including contracts related to global employment, contracting, and partnerships. We prioritize ability over experience; applicants with a relevant degree are encouraged to apply, regardless of extensive work experience. You will collaborate with our legal team and colleagues worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

1. Report to our global general counsel.
2. Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts globally.
3. Provide legal support to internal teams, including sales.
4. Support company initiatives through cross-functional collaboration.
5. Manage contract data using Canonical’s system.
6. Coordinate with local counsel in various countries.

Candidate Requirements

1. Excellent academic record from high school and university.
2. Law degree, JD or equivalent, with active license or in progress.
3. Drive, dedication, and a proactive attitude.
4. Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
5. Effective independently and in teams.
6. Passion for technology demonstrated through personal projects.
7. Professional English communication skills, with excellent drafting abilities.
8. Confidence in sharing ideas and providing feedback.
9. Appreciation for diversity and multicultural settings.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
11. Self-motivated and thoughtful.
12. Results-oriented with a commitment to meet deadlines.
13. Ability to travel twice a year for company events.

Preferred Skills

1. Experience in transactions, IP, or corporate law.
2. Leadership qualities and influence skills.
3. Understanding of open source community and values.
4. Knowledge of the tech industry (silicon, data centers, software).
5. Experience in in-house legal teams or law firms.

What We Offer

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 yearly learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits reflecting our values.
• Opportunities for travel and professional growth.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneer in open source, publishing Ubuntu — a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud technologies. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and foster excellence. Most colleagues work remotely, and we encourage innovative thinking, learning, and growth.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, providing fair consideration regardless of background or identity.