Counsel, Commercial Contracts

Perkins Coie•Washington, DC

1d•$138,450 - $249,360•Hybrid

About The Position

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented Counsel, Commercial Contracts to provide strategic legal counsel throughout the procurement contracting pipeline, balancing business opportunities with legal risk. The role works with the Director and Counsel, Commercial Contracts, and partners across Legal, Procurement, Operations, IT, Marketing, and HR to review and negotiate a high volume of agreements, including services, confidentiality, SaaS, licenses, events, HR and benefits, technical, and AI-related contracts. This position is hybrid and is not eligible for immigration sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future. The successful candidate will use a consistent, risk-based approach aligned with the firm’s legal standards. They will advise on supplier contracts, support and improve contracting processes, develop and maintain policies and templates, and help stakeholders manage legal and regulatory risks. The role also includes supporting training and knowledge-sharing and contributing to a collaborative, respectful, high-performing team environment. The position offers an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. Compensation ranges vary by location: Colorado, $138,450–$218,880; Illinois, $146,110–$231,010; Washington state, $146,040–$230,890; and Washington, D.C., $157,720–$249,360 annually. Applications are accepted through November 24, 2026.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree and an active license in at least one jurisdiction.
At least 5–7 years of relevant experience providing contract legal counseling, including drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
Proven expertise drafting and negotiating supplier and technology contracts for global organizations.
Strong command of contract terms, regulatory requirements, IT, and data management.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across organizational levels.
Strong project, time, and change management skills, including the ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines.
Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset, sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally and carefully.
Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing contract negotiation playbooks, processes, and training.
Experience drafting and negotiating AI-related agreements.

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, and review a wide variety of commercial and technical contracts using a consistent, risk-based approach aligned with the firm’s established legal standards.
Partner across the firm to streamline procurement and contracting processes and build stakeholder relationships.
Ensure contract intake is complete, accurate, and ready for business and legal review.
Support Procurement with service-level agreements (SLAs), training, playbooks, and practical legal guidance.
Advise on supplier contracts, risk management, contract terms, and disputes.
Escalate complex legal and risk matters to appropriate firm counsel.
Work with stakeholders to develop and maintain supplier contracting policies, standards, and compliance practices.
Monitor legal and regulatory developments and recommend proactive updates.
Help develop and maintain firm-wide supplier contract templates.
Support contracting training and knowledge-sharing across the firm.
Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing team environment.