Sole Legal Counsel
W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a fast-growing, global AI technology company to appoint a Sole Legal Counsel. This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of the legal function within a cutting-edge business operating at the forefront of artificial intelligence and software innovation.
This role will suit a commercially minded lawyer who thrives in high-intensity, high-ownership environments and is excited by building legal infrastructure from the ground up.
The Role
As Sole Legal Counsel, you will act as the primary legal advisor to the business, partnering closely with leadership, product and engineering teams. Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the company's sole legal advisor, owning all legal matters end-to-end
- Advising on open-source software licensing, including copyleft and permissive licences, and ensuring ongoing compliance
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of commercial and technology agreements, including enterprise software licences, partnerships and vendor contracts
- Owning and executing the company's intellectual property strategy, including trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets
- Advising on data protection and privacy, including GDPR and evolving AI-related regulation
- Providing product-embedded legal advice throughout the development lifecycle
- Managing disputes, legal risk, external counsel and legal budgets
- Monitoring emerging regulation in AI, technology and software, and translating this into practical business guidance
About You
- UK-qualified solicitor (or equivalent common law qualification)
- 5+ years' post-qualification experience, ideally with time spent in-house at a technology or AI-driven business
- Strong expertise in software licensing, IP and commercial contracts
- Solid grounding in data protection and regulatory compliance
- Comfortable operating autonomously as a sole legal counsel in a fast-moving environment
- Commercial, pragmatic and able to balance speed with risk
- Confident working closely with technical, product and senior stakeholders
Why Apply?
- True ownership of the legal function in a high-growth AI company
- Significant exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Hybrid working (3 days per week based in our clients Central London-based office)
- Opportunity to shape the legal foundations of a scaling global business
W&P Partners Legal Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.