Senior Counsel: Litigation, Regulatory Advocacy & Policy

Rover.com • Seattle, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Rover is looking for a strategic, creative, and trusted Senior Counsel who is passionate about advocating on behalf of Rover and our community of pets and pet lovers. This role sits at a fascinating intersection of law and policy, with responsibility spanning from complex litigation and regulatory disputes to public policy advocacy in partnership with Rover's Government Affairs team.
You’re a seasoned litigator who knows how to own a complex case from start to finish. From shaping pre-litigation strategy to navigating discovery, motions practice, or exploring resolution, you bring both tactical expertise and strategic vision to every matter. You exercise sound judgment under pressure and have a track record of driving outcomes on novel, high-stakes legal issues — all while keeping clients informed and protected. You’re excited to build strong, productive partnerships with outside counsel, educating them about Rover's business and values and holding them to a high standard of quality and efficiency. And when the path forward isn't obvious, you don't just spot the problem — you roll up your sleeves and find creative, practical solutions that actually work for the business, not just on paper.
Apart from litigation, you’ll also partner with Rover’s small, but impactful Government Affairs team to provide legal analysis on legislative and regulatory developments and support key engagements with lawmakers and other policy stakeholders across the United States and internationally. You're energized by the opportunity to build relationships, engage with policymakers, and advocate on behalf of Rover and the community of pet lovers.
This role reports to the Senior Director, Legal, who oversees litigation, regulatory, and government affairs.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of relevant litigation or regulatory legal practice, ideally including some in-house experience.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare and edit polished legal briefs, regulatory submissions, policy memos, talking points, and other advocacy materials. You know how to tailor your messaging for diverse audience, avoid “legalese,” and (humbly) think you’re one of the best writers you know.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. You are personable, highly collaborative, and excel at forging positive working relationships, even when addressing topics involving significant disagreement or sensitivity.
• Strategic vision, with the ability to help position Rover for long-term success and understand the impact of evolving legal trends and public affairs decisions on the business and community.
• You know that the best legal advice starts with truly understanding the problem and the options available — so you ask questions first and assume nothing, even when it means admitting what you don’t know.
• Strong work ethic and creative problem solving, with a “failure is not an option” mentality. You’ll need to operate tactically and be willing to dig in on all aspects of litigation, policy engagements, and related work.
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize and thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Model of personal and professional integrity, prioritizing kindness and respect.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working for or advocating on behalf of online marketplaces, technology companies, or highly regulated industries, including familiarity with legal issues affecting e-commerce businesses or independent work.
• Experience managing outside counsel relationships, including the ability to educate about key business context, manage budgets, and drive toward key outcomes.
• Experience supporting or collaborating with government affairs or public policy functions, including analyzing legislation or engaging with policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Actively manage complex litigation, arbitration, and regulatory matters from inception through resolution, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, motions practice, appeals, mediation, and resolution.
• Propose and drive solutions to novel, complex legal issues of material impact to the business, exercising strong independent judgment and creativity with appropriate escalation of high-risk matters.
• Cultivate long-term partnerships with outside counsel across multiple complex matters, with a focus on educating them about Rover's business, risk profile, and values. Provide constructive direction and feedback to improve quality, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, regulations, or other policy affecting Rover and the community of pet lovers that use the online marketplace, including forecasting potential impacts and drafting proposed amendments or legal explanations with a high degree of independence.
• Draft persuasive engagement materials with key legal complexities, including advocacy letters, public comments, talking points, and other materials in support of engagements with policymakers and regulators.
• Occasionally help represent Rover in meetings with government officials, policymakers, or other key stakeholders, and participate in public hearings or stakeholder groups.
• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and thought partner on litigation, regulatory, and policy risks for internal clients, delivering clear, structured, and audience-appropriate guidance that enables sound decision-making.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to collect information and navigate key moments, such as depositions, hearings, or mediation.
• Help advise internal stakeholders on select business updates in response to new compliance obligations or other legal considerations.
• Identify and lead opportunities to improve and scale legal processes within your subject matter area.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• 401k match
• Long-term incentive plan with a company performance-based cash payout
• Flexible PTO
• Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Bring your dog to work (and unlimited puppy time)
• Pet benefits, including $1000 toward adopting your first dog or cat
• Stocked fridges, coffee, soda, and lots of treats (for humans and dogs) and free catered lunches monthly
• Regular team activities performed in-person and virtually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed