Associate Director, Commercial Counsel

Commercial Counsel

We’re looking for an experienced commercial attorney who views contracts as the key to building successful relationships and growing a business, and who is excited to lead and optimize all contract‑related processes. Our Commercial Counsel will own and drive both customer and vendor contractual matters for the DEPT® Americas region and serve as a trusted legal advisor on commercial agreements.

• Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating Contracts
  • Lead the drafting, review, and redlining of a broad range of commercial agreements—including MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, DPAs, vendor, consulting, production, and talent agreements.
  • Independently negotiate agreements with counter parties (both clients and vendors) and effectively represent DEPT®’s interests.
• Contract Management and Compliance
  • Support contract compliance with established company processes and policies.
  • Support and drive the continuous improvement of DEPT®’s contract templates and playbooks.
  • Monitor changes in applicable laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to DEPT®’s operations.
• Risk Management and Dispute Handling
  • Lead commercial dispute resolution efforts in collaboration with the DEPT® Legal team.
  • Provide risk assessments and recommend practical solutions.
  • Serve as a trusted legal advisor to company management at all levels.
• Process Improvement and Relationship Building
  • Identify process gaps and drive creative solutions in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with business teams.
  • Coordinate with and manage external counsel and subject matter experts where required.
• AI Tools and Technology
  • Leverage AI‑powered legal tools to increase efficiency across the contract lifecycle.
  • Identify opportunities to integrate AI tools into legal workflows.
  • Advising on AI procurement contracts, data processing terms, and IP and liability considerations from AI services.
• Leadership and Knowledge Sharing
  • Stay at the forefront of legal AI and emerging technologies and share insights with the wider team.
  • Mentor junior members of the Legal team.

• Juris Doctor and bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
• 5+ years of transactional contract experience.
• Significant in‑house experience preferred; litigation experience is a plus.
• Ability to independently manage a high‑volume contract workload and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, traffic management, and operational skills.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, and regulations.
• High level of complex problem‑solving, critical thinking, and information analysis skills.
• Experience with creative production contracts is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong focus on treating everyone at DEPT® as a client.
• Ability to predict and prevent legal issues and risks.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with AI‑powered legal tools and evaluating AI tools.
• Genuine interest in the evolving landscape of legal AI.
• High professional and personal standards with unquestioned integrity.

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities.

$138,400 - $170,000 USD