Commercial Counsel

Job Description

Overview:

As an In-House Commercial Counsel, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support focusing on commercial transactions, contract management, compliance, and risk mitigation. You will work closely with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Development, and Customer Success, to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

The position reports to the Associate General Counsel in Tysons, Virginia (functional manager) and the Head of Legal based in India (matrix manager). This individual will be expected to bring a high degree of contracts expertise to the position, and to rely on that expertise along with sound judgment and professionalism to operate independently.

The role requires a balance of legal and business acumen, including competencies in Software as a Service (SaaS), commercial negotiation, structuring deals and validation of terms against commercial and industry norms and project management that is much more than simply documenting the legal terms of an already agreed upon deal.

The successful candidate will be a strong team player, willing to do whatever is needed to advance the success of the legal team and Cvent as a whole.

In This Role, You Will:

- Draft, review and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements such as SaaS agreements, subscription agreements, vendor agreements, NDAs, partnership agreements, integration agreements, professional services agreements and SOWs and other relevant legal documentation and subsequent amendments.
- Review communications from customers, service providers, third parties and government agencies, and draft responses in consultation with management.
- Draft outgoing legal correspondence relating to enforcement of Cvent contracts, intellectual property and other rights.
- Conduct research on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to identify potential legal implications and advise the company on strategic decisions.
- Provide legal support and guidance on contract interpretation, risk assessment, and issue resolution.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Advise business on data privacy and security matters, including GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant legislation.
- Monitor and analyze changes in relevant laws and regulations and advise the company on potential impacts.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of corporate policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
- Manage, counsel, educate, motivate, and supervise contract associates and junior counsels.
- Coordinate with external legal counsel as necessary, manage disputes and ongoing litigation cases directly or through external legal counsel.
- Appear for Cvent in court proceedings on matters pertaining to Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and other litigation matters.
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal and compliance matters.
- Review RFPs and RFQs, offering appropriate alternatives to contract terms and conditions.
- Provide routine legal advice to business and operations units.
- Support the global organization's M&A activity, including due diligence.
- Support the corporate secretarial function, including meeting preparation and corporate governance compliance.
- Perform other projects and duties at the request of the management team.
- Collaborate with HR and other cross-functional teams to resolve Cvent's employee-related matters.
- Analyze and streamline existing contract management processes to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround time.
- Implement automation tools where applicable to optimize workflow and improve productivity.
- Ensure compliance with Cvent's code of conduct and foster a culture of ethical decision-making across the organization.
- Advocate for transparent and responsible practices in all business dealings.
- Support the Account Management, Billing, Collections, and Legal personnel as necessary to manage contract renewal process and prepare improvements for same.
- Track and send contractually required notices/reports, and support collections (e.g., investigate bankruptcy claims, prepare release forms).

Heres What You Need:

- Candidates must have 11-14 years of relevant experience (post qualification) with focus on commercial transactions and contracts; preferably both international and domestic.
- SaaS experience is required.
- Candidate should have strong experience in drafting, vetting, negotiating various contracts, and interpreting them.
- Working knowledge and experience with software and hardware issues, and legal concepts regarding software contracts and licensing such as Limitations of Liability, Indemnification, Warranties, Termination, Data Security, and Confidentiality.
- Understanding of financial and commercial terms in contracts.
- Understanding of important laws and statutes having business and commercial impact to the organization's operations.
- Understanding of nuances of Technology Contracts, including global privacy regulations (and data protection addenda).
- Strong understanding of data privacy and security regulations.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent analytical and comprehension skills.
- Good academic track record.
- Ability to work with business teams displaying an understanding of the business requirements.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work hard to do whatever is needed to advance the success of the legal team and Cvent as a whole, whether leading a project/deal or taking on a supporting role.
- Ability to manage time efficiently.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-starter who understands executing with urgency, and the ability to comfortably work in an intensely deadline-oriented environment.
- Accuracy and attention to detail are essential requirements for this position.
- Demonstrate inclusion and respect for all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, culture, social status and/or sexuality.
- Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all legal activities.

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