Legal Counsel US Or Canada (Must have Government/Software Licensing)

Modaxo

About The Position

Trellint is seeking a business-savvy and well-rounded commercial lawyer to join its legal team as Legal Counsel. This role reports to the Trellint General Manager with a dotted line to the Group Legal Counsel and is part of a growing legal team that collaborates with internal and external stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate will possess strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated experience using AI to enhance legal processes, and the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently. Essential experience includes public sector contract procurement, software licensing, and international/cross-border contracting. This position is ideal for individuals with a business-focused mindset who excel in collaborative, cross-functional team settings, working closely with sales, finance, and operations teams to provide day-to-day legal support. While primarily commercial, the Legal Counsel may also assist the Group Legal Counsel with M&A and portfolio-acquisition activities. As a key member of the Trellint leadership team, the Legal Counsel will offer strategic legal advice and manage and mentor the supporting Contracts Manager and Compliance Manager.

Requirements

5–10 years of related legal experience in an international law firm or in-house legal department.
A university degree in law (e.g. JD or equivalent) is required; qualified candidates must be admitted to practice / called to the Bar in Canada or the United States and be in good standing.
Strong commercial law skills and experience, including familiarity with software licensing agreements, public procurement, and contract negotiation.
Experience working with public agencies and navigating public procurements.
Previous experience at a technology or software company, with IT contracts, government procurement, software licensing, or SaaS agreements.
Demonstrates genuine talent-building capabilities — attracts, inspires, and develops team members (including supporting the Contracts Manager and Compliance Manager), provides clear direction and meaningful feedback, and empowers others to deliver their best work.
Strong verbal, written, and problem-solving skills, underpinned by uncompromising personal integrity — acts transparently, conveys both good and bad news openly, and is consistently honest and accountable in all professional interactions.
Ability to assess and balance contractual and commercial risk with sound commercial acumen — informed by a strong understanding of the business environment, financial metrics, and market dynamics — and provide practical, solution-oriented guidance.
Sound judgment and strategic thinking: identifies risks, structures positions, determines appropriate escalation, and takes a long-term view — managing ambiguity, settingting direction, and making bold, well-reasoned decisions.
Ability to use Claude, ChatGPT and other AI tools to enhance productivity and improve efficiency.
Ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently, handling multiple matters and projects with shifting deadlines, demonstrates persistence, grit, and composure under sustained pressure.
Strong attention to detail.
Adapts effectively to a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities; builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders by keeping a consistent focus on delivering value and acting as a trusted, reliable partner.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work openly and collaboratively with people at all levels across multiple companies and jurisdictions — values diverse perspectives and experiences, and fosters an inclusive, team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public sector contract procurement, software licensing, and international/cross-border contracting is required.
Experience supporting M&A transactions (due diligence and transaction support), a plus.
General familiarity with data protection and privacy laws (e.g. GDPR and US state privacy laws), a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide accurate and timely advice to key business stakeholders on a variety of legal topics that cross multiple geographies, working in coordination with the Group Legal Counsel and other business partners.
Independently draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including software license and SaaS agreements, maintenance and support services, professional services, consulting, sub-contractor, supplier, reseller, distribution agreements, including bespoke contractual provisions, along with non-disclosure agreements.
Review and negotiate customer and vendor requests for proposals (RFPs) and public and private tenders, identify proposal requirements, review terms and conditions for acceptability and compliance with company policies and procedures, assist in proposal development as required, and participate in securing required management approval for submission.
Be pragmatic and impartial; apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive, practical advice on legal and strategic business issues.
Perform contract/subcontract review, and negotiate and interface directly with customer/vendor contracting personnel.
Work with management, sales, finance, and operations teams to manage and structure contracts.
Manage, direct, and mentor the supporting Contracts Manager and Compliance Manager on a day-to-day basis — allocating work, reviewing work product, and providing coaching and feedback on contract interpretation, drafting, and negotiation approach.
Plan, schedule, and oversee the team's activities to meet objectives, balancing competing priorities and ensuring consistent, high-quality output.
Assess and evaluate the risks associated with new and existing contracts, and analyze contracts and policies to ensure compliance with law, company policy, government specifications, and business goals.
Research multiple jurisdictions and recommend best practices and improvements to contract processes; customize existing templates, create templates, and draft new agreements to fit project requirements.
Assure the timely communication of legal and contract information with management and other stakeholders, and maintain complete and accurate contract files.
Support the Group Legal Counsel on M&A and portfolio-acquisition activity as and when the need and opportunity arises, including performing due diligence, reviewing and negotiating transaction documents, and assisting with post-close legal integration.
Assist in policy development and training as required.
Work autonomously; plan, schedule, and arrange your activities and objectives in a fast-moving and often shifting work environment.
Advise on and help own data protection and privacy compliance (including UK/EU GDPR and applicable US state privacy laws) across the business’s products and customer data, ensuring appropriate data-processing terms in contracts.
Manage disputes, claims, and litigation for the business, instructing and coordinating external counsel under the direction of the Group Legal Counsel.
Support corporate governance and compliance including upholding the company’s risk standards.
Some travel may be required.