What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Legal Counsel position at DEEP?
Who we are:
DEEP is an international design and engineering company on a mission to make humans aquatic. We’re doing this by advancing ocean exploration through the development of new technologies that will enable humans to live and work in underwater environments for longer periods of time.
Role Description
The Senior Legal Counsel will serve as a key legal partner to DEEP, providing strategic and practical guidance on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. This role will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements, particularly vendor and supplier contracts, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and alignment with organizational objectives.
The role will collaborate closely with internal departments to mitigate legal risks, support business operations, and contribute to the company’s overall governance, compliance, and risk management framework.
Essential Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including vendor, service, nondisclosure, licensing, and other commercial agreements.
- Negotiate and support manufacturing agreements, supply chain agreements, and agreements for the supply of goods and services, including associated legal clearance and contract management.
- Provide legal support for government and public sector contracting, including review and negotiation of public procurement agreements and ensuring compliance with applicable procurement regulations and tender requirements.
- Provide legal advice and guidance on general corporate matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with commercial transactions.
- Collaborate with internal departments (Procurement, Finance, HR, Operations, etc.) to support business initiatives and ensure contracts align with company objectives.
- Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, policies, and best practices to streamline contract processes.
- Assist with corporate governance matters, including maintaining corporate records, preparing board materials, and ensuring compliance with corporate reporting obligations.
- Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the business.
- Manage external legal counsel when required for specialized matters.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on contract law.
- Knowledge of public procurement laws, government contracting frameworks, and compliance requirements related to public sector engagements.
- Familiarity with vendor, procurement, manufacturing, and service agreements.
- Basic understanding of property law.
- Awareness of evolving legal and regulatory frameworks impacting business operations.
- Excellent legal drafting and contract negotiation skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions.
- High level of integrity, judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
- Proficiency in computer applications and systems such as Microsoft Office.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Minimum 8 years of legal practice experience, ideally within the marine, engineering, defense, or industrial sectors.
- Strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and vendor agreements.
- Experience advising on general corporate and commercial law matters.
Nice to Have
- Experience in U.S. maritime law.
- Experience supporting government contracting or public sector procurement.
Why join our team:
- Competitive Compensation
- Employer paid Health insurance for employee
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401K Contributions
- Supportive and inclusive team culture