Sr. Vice President, Legal & Compliance

Applause•Remote, MA

About The Position

Applause is seeking a commercially minded legal leader to lead its global legal function at the intersection of enterprise technology, software testing, digital quality, AI evaluation, and evolving regulation. This is a hands-on leadership role in a private equity-backed organization. The successful candidate will advise senior leadership while actively handling commercial negotiations, technology and intellectual property matters, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day legal operations. The role is suited to an accomplished attorney ready to expand their leadership responsibilities and make a meaningful impact on the business. The Sr. Vice President will lead legal support for commercial agreements and business initiatives; advise on software, intellectual property, licensing, and technology; guide the development and use of AI; oversee global privacy, compliance, risk, and governance matters; partner with People Operations on employment and global workforce issues; and build an efficient, scalable legal function. The role also includes managing outside counsel and championing AI-enabled legal tools and other process improvements. The annual compensation range is $250,000–$400,000 based on experience. Applause also offers a semi-annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) contribution, and a competitive benefits package. Actual compensation depends on qualifications, experience, skills, and the scope of the role.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.
At least 8 years of progressive legal experience, including substantial experience advising software, SaaS, technology, or technology-enabled services businesses.
Demonstrated expertise in commercial technology transactions, enterprise contracting, software licensing, and intellectual property law.
Strong understanding of AI legal issues, including emerging regulation, data usage rights, IP ownership, and AI governance.
Experience advising on privacy, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements with large enterprise customers and technology partners.
Strong business judgment and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Hands-on, accountable leadership approach with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.

Nice To Haves

Combination of law firm and in-house legal experience.
Experience in a high-growth software, SaaS, AI, or technology services organization.
Exposure to private equity-backed businesses, corporate transactions, or M&A.
Experience advising Product and Engineering teams on software development, AI-enabled products, and intellectual property strategy.
Familiarity with international commercial transactions, global privacy regulations, and cross-border legal matters.
Experience supporting global workforce and independent contractor compliance matters.
Experience implementing AI-enabled legal tools, contract lifecycle management systems, or other legal process improvements.
Prior experience leading a legal function or managing outside counsel.

Responsibilities

Lead legal support for complex enterprise customer agreements, strategic partnerships, vendor contracts, and commercial transactions.
Draft, review, and negotiate SaaS agreements, master services agreements, licensing agreements, data processing agreements, and other technology-related contracts.
Partner with Sales, Product, Engineering, Finance, and executive leadership to support commercial execution while managing legal and business risk.
Develop scalable contracting frameworks that improve deal velocity and support revenue growth.
Provide commercially focused legal advice balancing risk mitigation and business objectives; support strategic initiatives, business development, and potential M&A activities.
Serve as the primary legal expert on software, intellectual property, licensing, and technology matters, including software development, ownership, open-source software, and IP protection.
Partner with Product and Engineering on product development, platform capabilities, and technology commercialization; evaluate IP risks involving third-party technologies, AI models, integrations, and partnerships.
Support protection and commercialization of company intellectual property, methodologies, platforms, and technology assets; advise on technology disputes and IP enforcement.
Guide development, deployment, evaluation, and commercial use of AI technologies, including AI governance, model evaluation, training data, ownership, generative AI, third-party AI platforms, and AI-enabled products and services.
Oversee compliance with applicable global privacy and data protection requirements, including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and emerging AI legislation; establish frameworks supporting responsible innovation and data protection.
Work with cross-functional leaders to integrate legal and regulatory considerations into product strategy and business operations.
Lead and improve global legal and compliance programs; advise executives on regulatory obligations, governance, contractual risk, and emerging legal developments.
Support corporate governance, Board-related legal matters, and private equity sponsor requirements.
Oversee legal matters involving global operations and the uTest community, including independent contractor relationships, worker classification, participant agreements, and compliance.
Partner with operational teams on fraud prevention, community integrity, investigations, and risk mitigation; identify exposures early and develop practical responses.
Partner with People Operations and leadership on global employment matters, including employment agreements, restrictive covenants, employee relations, workplace investigations, and organizational changes.
Oversee external employment counsel on complex or jurisdiction-specific matters and advise on contingent workforce models and related requirements.
Lead and develop a responsive, efficient, business-oriented legal function; improve processes, templates, policies, and governance structures.
Promote adoption of AI-enabled legal tools, contract automation, and modern legal technology; manage external counsel for expertise, cost discipline, and value.
Establish legal priorities, service expectations, and risk-management processes, and foster a collaborative, accountable, solutions-oriented legal culture.