Legal Counsel – Regulatory Compliance, Product and Privacy

Overview

As Legal Counsel, you will support global regulatory compliance, privacy programs and product development for Canonical. You will collaborate with product teams and external counsel across regions to ensure lawful, responsible innovation in AI, data protection, and open source initiatives. You will drive policy work, PIAs and ROPAs, and help scale our global privacy program while advising on complex technology matters. This role offers exposure to cutting-edge regulatory topics in a fast-growing open source software environment and cross-functional impact.

Pay / Benefits

• performance-driven bonus
• annual compensation review
• learning budget of USD 2,000
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• twice-yearly team sprints and travel opportunities

Responsibilities

• Draft and review policies, implement governance controls to meet global regulatory requirements
• Develop and scale global privacy programs, including PIAs and ROPAs
• Assess privacy and data protection laws across regions and impact on product development (including AI)
• Provide legal support to internal product teams and cross-functional initiatives
• Coordinate with local counsel and external attorneys to obtain and implement advice

Key requirements

• Law degree (JD or equivalent) and active license or progress toward licensure
• Strong commercial judgment, organization, and ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Independent work style and effective teamwork
• Passion for technology and demonstrated personal initiatives
• Excellent written and spoken English with strong drafting and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel up to twice a year for company events

• strong interpersonal skills
• curiosity and flexibility
• accountability
• compliance and data privacy
• product development experience
• knowledge of AI regulation considerations

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