Commercial Counsel, Hardware

Anthropic•San Francisco, CA

1d•$335,000 - $385,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Anthropic is seeking a Commercial Counsel, Hardware to support its product teams in navigating the legal aspects of AI development, particularly concerning hardware procurement and technology deals. This role involves negotiating a high volume of agreements for hardware, components, software, and emerging technologies. The counsel will act as a legal and risk partner, providing practical advice on deals and purchases, clearing low-risk transactions, and developing scalable solutions for new complexities. The position requires collaboration with Procurement, Finance, and Legal colleagues on matters such as privacy, IP, and trade. Additionally, the role will support partnerships with major tech companies, universities, and media organizations, offering a broad view of the business.

Requirements

JD and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California preferred).
Hands-on experience buying hardware and firmware, components, and software in high volume, fast-paced environments.
Deep experience leading complex deals, such as technology or data licensing, joint development, or supply partnerships.
Working knowledge of international supply chains and how sourcing choices (and their associated risks) show up in contracts (lead times, single-source risk, warranties, country of origin, higher risk jurisdictions).
Working knowledge of trade and regulatory compliance for hardware, including export controls, sanctions, tariffs and customs.
Clear, plain communication with scientists, engineers, and operators, so legal risk turns into a decision they can act on.
A low-ego, "doer" attitude and real interest in taking on work outside your core practice area.
Intense curiosity about AI and emerging hardware, and a commitment to responsible AI development.

Nice To Haves

At least 8 years of legal experience in hardware or a closely related technical space, with the judgment to run risk assessments and deals on your own from day one.
In-house time at a hardware-intensive technology company (such as electronics, industrial automation, or complex devices) while it was scaling quickly.
Experience supporting product or engineering teams as a dedicated counsel.
Experience with facilities or on-site vendor services, including the insurance and safety questions.
An engineering, product, or other technical background.
Experience using AI tools to speed up your own legal work.

Responsibilities

Negotiate and close a high volume of agreements for hardware and components, including review of embedded firmware and companion software licenses.
Structure and negotiate complex technology, data, and partnership agreements.
Track legal and regulatory changes that affect hardware products and components, such as product safety rules and restrictions on foreign-made components, and explain what they mean for our plans.
Identify trade, export control, sanctions, and supply chain concerns in cross-border sourcing, and work with our national security and compliance teams to resolve them.
Build and maintain self-serve guidance, templates, and AI-assisted review tools so routine purchases don't wait on Legal.
Manage outside counsel for specialist questions and overflow volume.
Cover other technology or hardware transactions on the Legal team as needed.