Global Legal Counsel in London

We are looking for a proactive, business-oriented technology transactions lawyer to join our global team of experienced commercial and technology lawyers to advise senior EY business, procurement, and technology stakeholders on complex legal issues.
 

The opportunity

The Global Legal Counsel, a member of the Contracts Practice Group (CPG) within the Global General Counsel’s Office (GCO), will be responsible for providing advice, counsel, and legal support related to the procurement, use and development of technology products and services in support of the global network of EY member firms. This position will require experience and comfort negotiating complex, large-scale technology transactions such as enterprise agreements for the provision of software, cloud, SaaS, and other services to be leveraged globally by the EY network. 

This position, which can be London, Manchester (UK) or Atlanta-based, sits within a globally distributed team of lawyers who negotiate, draft and advise on contractual transactions procuring a wide range of technology products and services for the EY organization, and requires the ability to team positively and proactively with business partners across EY, including Procurement Services, Independence, Tax and Finance. The role will require strong communication and collaboration skills to enable working in a positive and productive manner across a complex global organization to achieve positions that align with the best interests of EY.
 

Your key responsibilities

This role reports to a senior member of the Global GCO Procurement CPG team and the successful candidate will:

• Work closely with Procurement Services to facilitate the negotiation of contracts in an efficient and timely manner consistent with EY requirements, while ensuring that significant risks are readily identified, appropriately escalated, and mitigated in accordance with relevant protocols.
• Remain current on rapidly evolving areas of the law related to technology and contracting and effectively communicate new legal developments, along with EY contracting requirements, to stakeholders in the business and the Procurement Services and Technology functions.
• Exercise sound and logical judgment to identify obstacles quickly, creatively problem solve, and provide business-practical legal advice and guidance. 
• Proactively communicate regarding risks and benefits associated with critical transactions and the multiple and sometimes competing objectives related to the procurement, adoption and use of technology. 
• Positively team and collaborate with the broader EY Legal team (both within Global GCO and EY Network Member legal functions), and other EY business advisors (Risk Management, Information Security, Tax, Finance) with respect to technology contracts, building positive working relationships and supporting EY’s consultative culture.
• Understand EY policies relevant to procurement transactions and continuously seek to ensure that contract structure, drafting, negotiation and execution comply with such policies. 
• Effectively prioritize and manage workload in a highly dynamic environment; proactively communicate and demonstrate a high degree of responsiveness.
• Develop and deliver training on legal matters, technology contracting, and best practices to the Legal function, Procurement Services, and business stakeholders.
   

Skills and attributes for success

The successful candidate will need to balance first-rate work quality and attention to detail, with the ability to provide timely and business-practical legal advice on complex matters.  Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, current market knowledge related to technology contracting, strong understanding of intellectual property law, ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a compressed timeframe, and the gravitas required to interact on a regular basis with senior members of the organization, will all be critical success factors for this role.
 

To qualify for the role you must

• Have extensive, recent and relevant experience negotiating complex, large-scale technology transactions and a keen understanding of the applicable market, legal and regulatory environment impacting and informing such transactions.
• Have a Law degree (LLB or J.D.) or equivalent.
• Have 6+ years’ post-qualification experience.
• Be admitted as a solicitor or licensed attorney in a relevant jurisdiction.
   

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Expertise in licensing and intellectual property considerations relevant to complex technology contracts and emerging technologies (including open source software). 
• A strong understanding of transactional data privacy requirements, including international data transfers.

What we look for

• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Keen ability to assess size and scope of contemplated transactions and tailor contracts accordingly.
• Ability to grasp, understand, and effectively articulate and document complex legal and contractual principles.
• Positive mindset, high degree of emotional intelligence, and demonstrated aptitude for resilience, flexibility, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances and dynamics.
• Interest and ability to team and collaborate effectively across geographic locations.
• We are open to applicants with private practice and/or in-house experience. 

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.