Senior Counsel

Thorn

7h•$150,000 - $201,250•Remote

About The Position

At Thorn, our cause is our code. We are a nonprofit whose mission of defending children from sexual exploitation and abuse is deeply embedded within our core—a shared code that drives us to do challenging work with resilience and determination. Here, you’ll work and grow among the best hearts and the best minds in tech, data, and business alongside our network of independent partners, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Together, we’re focused on building technology that protects children’s futures. We are looking for dynamic problem solvers with the desire to help address some of today’s toughest issues. You'll collaborate with a diverse group of peers in a remote environment centered on wellness, care, and compassion. In 2019, we took the stage at TED and shared our audacious goal of eliminating child sexual abuse material from the internet. Come join us to help make this goal a reality and build a world where every child can be safe, curious, and happy. About the Role: We’re looking for a motivated, well-rounded, seasoned Senior Counsel to join Thorn’s Legal team! In this role, you’ll ensure legal input helps drive our work forward. Working remotely, you’ll build relationships across a dynamic, values-first organization and you’ll play a key role in structuring, drafting, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, advising on legal issues, and developing creative solutions that manage risk and push the organization forward.

Requirements

Passion for Thorn’s mission and commitment to ethical excellence.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communication, organizational, negotiation, and drafting skills, with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
Strong legal and operational judgment with the ability to find practical solutions to complex issues and operate independently from initial discussions through final execution.
Process-oriented with continuous improvement mindset and a self-starting drive to collaborate and share expertise.
Ability to balance hands-on day-to-day legal work with strategic problem solving.
Deep expertise in commercial law with substantive knowledge of issues related to software licensing, SaaS contracts, partnerships, and IP.
J.D. degree and membership in a U.S. state bar (or qualified as registered in-house counsel under California’s multi-jurisdictional practice program).
8+ years experience at a law firm and/or in-house legal department, ideally supporting technology clients.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply legal concepts to real-world situations.
Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks.

Nice To Haves

4-6+ years experience handling commercial transactions and government contracts, ideally in-house at an internet, e-commerce or technology company/start up.
Certified information privacy professional (CIPP) certification or similar privacy certification.
Experience or knowledge of 501(c) organizations is a plus.
Experience with Ironclad, Salesforce, data privacy, security, compliance and employment matters is a plus.
Experience with AI/ML training data compliance and governance.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal point of contact and partner for multiple teams across the organization.
Draft, negotiate, review, interpret, and assist in the maintenance of legal documents covering a range of Thorn’s activities across the child safety ecosystem, ensuring appropriate risk allocation and regulatory compliance.
Develop, enhance, and maintain policies, contract templates, trainings, guidelines, and procedures to ensure legal compliance and operational efficiency.
Provide proactive legal counsel across multiple domains - technology, SaaS, IP, and contracts - anticipating challenges and crafting solutions.
Develop creative, practical solutions that support internal and external stakeholders while advancing enterprise risk management objectives and safeguarding Thorn’s mission and reputation.
Manage and triage outside counsel relationships to ensure effective, high-quality legal support aligned with organizational priorities.
Maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards, acting in compliance with both the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and regulations.

Benefits

Our remote-first work model is structured around working from home most of the time.
But, there will be times that employees are expected to travel.
For example, Thorn may host company-wide gatherings, and smaller teams may hold in-person meetings and team-building events, or require attendance at specific conferences.
At Thorn, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits.
Learn more about what working at Thorn can mean for you.
Thorn is strengthened by the wide range of experiences and perspectives on our team.
We value the diversity of our professional backgrounds, subject matter expertise, cultures, and perspectives because they help us solve complex problems and serve our mission more effectively.
We hire based on merit, qualifications, and organizational need, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Thorn is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.
We provide reasonable accommodations to ensure candidates and employees with disabilities can fully participate in the application process, perform essential job functions, and access all the benefits and privileges of employment.
If you need an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]