Perkins Coie is looking for a qualified and dynamic individual to take on the role of Director and Counsel, Commercial Contracts, which oversees the firm's Commercial Contract procurement supplier contract function, including negotiation of contracts and development of related governance procedures and processes to enhance our compliance profile, address efficiency and reliability, and meet internal customer needs. This role will be responsible for managing the legal review of supplier contracts to maximize business opportunity while minimizing legal risk to the firm. The role will work cross-functionally with key stakeholders across the firm, including in our Professional Standards/Legal, Procurement, Operations, Information Technology, Information Governance, Marketing, and Human Resources departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Codify and conduct legal reviews according to agreed-upon and uniform risk standards. If applicable, manage and optimize the relationship with the firm's outsourced legal reviewers.
• Work with various levels of the organization to ensure a smooth and collaborative procurement pipeline process, maintain strong relationships with sourcing managers, and have a clear understanding of the needs of the business-side stakeholders.
• Work with the firm's Procurement group to oversee the contracting function. Develop and administer a programmatic approach to the process, including SLAs, training, playbook development, and advice/counseling.
• Manage and optimize relationships with firm general counsel and Professional Standards department. Oversee any escalations to same or other firm counsel as applicable.
• Act as subject matter expert with respect to supplier contracts and related risk management consistent with firm policies and standards.
• Manage and resolve questions and disputes regarding supplier contractual terms.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to develop, monitor, and update policies and standards related to supplier contracts and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Monitor changes to local, national, and international laws and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain firm supplier contract templates, including Confidentiality Agreements, Master Services Agreements, Master Staffing Services Agreements, Professional Development Services Agreements, and Speaking Engagement Services Agreements.
• Develop and deliver firm-wide supplier contracting training as needed.
• Promote effective work practices, work as a team member, and show respect for coworkers.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proven skills successfully reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex supplier contracts for international organizations, including technology, SAAS and other cloud agreements, marketing, master service agreements, service licensing and contracts, and HR agency and recruiting contracts.
• Strong knowledge of supplier contract terms and related legislation required.
• Strong knowledge of information technology, information governance, and data management systems required.
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm, both orally and in writing, consistent with communication best practices.
• Change and project management skills, including the ability to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively, seeking and developing alignments and support, as well as use of independent judgment and discretion when making majority of decisions.
• Exhibit judgment and flexibility in problem-solving.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the appropriate discretion.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

Experience with legal risks and mitigations associated with generative AI.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Qualified candidates will be a Juris doctor with an active license in at least one jurisdiction, as well as having 5-6 years of supplier contract related counseling, preferably in large private law firm(s). Candidates will also have experience in developing supplier contract training.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals, dedicated to providing value and superior service, and above all, have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.