Commercial Legal Counsel

Job Title: Commercial Legal Counsel

Company: Upwork

Location: Remote – United States

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $158,000 – $205,000/year

Project Overview:

Upwork is seeking a seasoned commercial attorney to join its Legal & Policy team. This role involves leading complex commercial negotiations, advising internal stakeholders, and enhancing operational legal processes. The position reports to the Head of Commercial Legal with a dotted line to the Senior Commercial Counsel.

Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiation and management of commercial agreements (MSAs, NDAs, DPAs, SOWs, partnership agreements, etc.)
• Provide legal counsel on strategic initiatives and business operations
• Act as a key advisor to internal teams and senior leadership
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Sales, RevOps, Sourcing, InfoSec, and AP
• Develop and conduct training on legal risks and contracting processes
• Improve legal operations through creation of scalable templates, playbooks, and workflows
• Maintain and refine contract standards and escalation policies
• Manage outside counsel as needed
• Support legal needs related to corporate transactions and other ad hoc projects

Qualifications:

• JD from an accredited U.S. law school; active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 3+ years at an AmLaw 100 firm and 2+ years in-house (preferably at a tech company)
• Strong experience supporting Sales, negotiating complex contracts, and business enablement
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with contingent workforce models (VMS, MSP, AOR, EOR)
• Knowledge of global privacy regulations
• Experience with contract management tools (Ironclad, Salesforce, etc.)
• Interest in legal operations and use of AI in legal services

Additional Information:

• Remote-first company (with office in Palo Alto)
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, 401(k) with match, ESPP, unlimited PTO, and paid parental leave
• Inclusive, mission-driven culture focused on innovation and opportunity