In-house IT Litigation Counsel

Job description

We are seeking a proactive In-House IT Litigation Counsel to join our growing legal department with a Minimum of 5-8 years of litigation experience, with at least 3 years focused on IT or technology-related litigation (including IP, data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology contracts). The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and advising on IT-related legal disputes and litigation, with a focus on technology law, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data protection. This role requires a deep understanding of IT law, the ability to manage external counsel effectively, and an ability to work closely with various business units to mitigate risks and resolve legal issues related to IT operations.

 

Job Responsibilities:

 Litigation Management:

Lead and manage IT-related litigation, including disputes concerning intellectual property, software licensing, cybersecurity breaches, data privacy, and other tech-related matters.

 Strategic Advice:

Provide legal advice to senior management and other departments (e.g., IT, Compliance, Security) regarding potential and ongoing litigation risks related to IT matters.

 Dispute Resolution:

Lead and manage negotiations, mediations, and settlement discussions with the goal of resolving disputes in a cost-effective and timely manner.

 Risk Mitigation:

Advise on legal strategies and preventive measures to reduce risk and avoid future litigation related to IT.

 IP and Licensing Issues:

Handle disputes relating to patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and software licensing agreements, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws.

 Cybersecurity & Data Protection:

Advise on legal aspects of data breaches, cybersecurity incidents, and related litigation, ensuring compliance with privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

 Litigation Support:

Manage outside counsel and coordinate all aspects of litigation and   dispute resolution, from pre-litigation through trial or settlement.

 Contractual Issues:

Review and draft IT contracts, vendor agreements, service-level agreements (SLAs), and other legal documents that may give rise to potential disputes.

 Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure that the company adheres to applicable regulatory frameworks regarding technology and data, including data protection laws, cybersecurity regulations, and industry-specific requirements.

 

Qualifications and Skills:

 Professional Degree:

A law degree from an accredited law school is essential.

 Bar Admission:

Active membership in good standing with the relevant state bar association(s).

 Specialized Knowledge:

Expertise in IT law, intellectual property law, data protection/privacy law, and cybersecurity regulations (such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.).

 

Knowledge of IT Industry:

 Industry Knowledge:

A strong understanding of the IT industry, including common technologies, software licensing models, and cloud computing.

 Data Privacy and Security Expertise:

Experience with data privacy and security laws and regulations, including GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant legislation.

 Contract Lifecycle Management:

Experience with contract management processes, including contract drafting, negotiation, execution, and administration.

 Contract Lifecycle Management:

Experience with contract management processes, including contract drafting, negotiation, execution, and administration.

 Negotiation and Analytical Skills:

Proven ability to negotiate effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders, analyze legal risks, and provide sound legal advice. 

 Collaboration and Teamwork:

Ability to work collaboratively with various internal teams and external partners to achieve common goals.

 Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective solutions. 

 

Additional Valuable Skills:

• Strong litigation management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and communicate legal considerations clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines under pressure.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.