Sr Legal Counsel

PayPal • San Jose, CA

108d • $152,500 - $262,350

About The Position

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers. We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade. Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience and a Juris doctorate or equivalent degree.
• 8+ years leading large commercial transactions for sales or similar functions (in-house and/or law firm).
• Hands-on demonstrated experience supporting technology, fintech, or financial services companies.
• Demonstrated success drafting and negotiating complex sales, marketing, licensing, and partner agreements with external parties.
• Proven ability to issue-spot, propose practical solutions, and drive decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent negotiation, writing, and interpersonal skills; ability to effectively communicate with senior leadership, cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Strong organization and project management skills; comfortable juggling multiple, time-sensitive matters.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with agentic commerce or adjacent AI technologies.
• Payments industry knowledge (e.g., processors, acquirers, networks, wallets, checkout, risk controls, chargebacks, settlement).
• Expertise on data rights/usage, privacy, and security terms in commercial agreements.
• Product counseling for platform integrations and go-to-market arrangements, including co-marketing and channel partnerships.
• Global deal experience and familiarity with regulatory considerations affecting PayPal’s ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects of diverse scope, driving legal initiatives that support business growth and innovation.
• Participate in complex problem resolution, providing expert legal advice on high-stakes issues and disputes.
• Provide expert legal advice and support, particularly in areas experiencing significant growth such as compliance, data privacy, and litigation support.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, advising on the implementation of new legal technologies and automation tools.
• Manage legal risks and safeguard PayPal's legal interests, developing comprehensive risk management frameworks.
• Represent PayPal in litigation and other legal proceedings, leading case strategies and ensuring effective representation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements with merchants, platforms, and partners.
• Structure transactions across licensing, data use and sharing, AI safety/usage restrictions, product integrations, go-to-market, and strategic partnerships.
• Provide timely, solution-oriented advice to business partners on a wide variety of initiatives and issues.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to develop deal strategies and resolve issues quickly.
• Translate strategy into action: set goals, drive execution and results both independently and as part of a team.
• Build and maintain templates, playbooks, fallback positions, and training that simplify and accelerate negotiations.
• Manage a high-volume pipeline: exercise strong risk assessment skills to balance risk thoughtfully with business goals and priorities.
• Lead complex non-agentic commercial deals across PayPal’s products and services as needed.
• Improve processes: streamline approvals, clarify roles, and enhance visibility to stakeholders.
• Establish strong client relationships building trust and effectively translating complex legal concepts and issues into practical goal focused advice for senior business leaders.
• Model excellent judgment and communication; mentor teammates and influence across functions.
• Manage outside counsel efficiently and effectively, controlling costs and ensuring high-quality legal representation.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment.
• Employee shares options.
• Health and life insurance.
• Annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable).
• Equity.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees