Senior Counsel — AI Strategy & Data Licensing

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 179,000 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with Cisco matching

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. seeks a seasoned technology transactions counsel to lead AI procurement, SaaS and data licensing deals. You will draft, negotiate and manage complex agreements while guiding internal clients through regulatory risks and business strategies.

You will leverage AI tools to streamline processes, mentor teams, and shape playbooks for contracting in the AI era, enabling strategic growth across Cisco’s product lines.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• At least five years of relevant legal experience in technology transactions, software/SaaS, or AI/data matters.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills; strong analytical/business judgment.
• Preferred: 1–2 years of experience with AI/ML legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: manage a rapid pipeline of deal inquiries with risk-aware acceleration.
• Contracting: draft and negotiate complex AI procurement, SaaS, and data licensing agreements for internal clients.
• Oversight: lead negotiation process and quality control for contract lifecycle with AI tools.
• Thought Leadership: stay current on benchmarking, contracting trends, and AI/data regulations; translate into playbooks.
• Collaboration: drive cross-functional initiatives related to contracts, data and AI strategy.
• Strategic Guidance: translate regulatory risks into practical advice for internal clients.
• Innovation Champion: leverage AI-powered analytics to automate routine tasks and focus on high-value strategy.
• Trusted Advisor: build relationships guiding legal aspects of product roadmaps and GTM strategies.

Skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD) or equivalent

Bar admission in at least one U.S. state

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. seeks a seasoned technology transactions counsel to lead AI procurement, SaaS and data licensing deals. You will draft, negotiate and manage complex agreements while guiding internal clients through regulatory risks and business strategies.

You will leverage AI tools to streamline processes, mentor teams, and shape playbooks for contracting in the AI era, enabling strategic growth across Cisco’s product lines.