Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel

As a Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel at DigitalOcean, your primary responsibilities will include reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex cloud technology agreements, such as strategic partnership and product development agreements. You'll provide critical legal advice to various teams, interpreting legal concepts and risks to ensure alignment with business goals. Additionally, you'll oversee data privacy and security initiatives, manage security incident responses, implement compliance programs, and assess the implications of evolving global regulations on our operations.

To qualify for the Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel position at DigitalOcean, candidates must possess a JD or equivalent degree, along with at least 7 years of attorney-level experience that includes both in-house and law firm backgrounds. A deep understanding of commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, privacy, intellectual property matters, and AI-related issues is essential. Moreover, candidates must be admitted to the bar and in good standing in California or have registered in-house status to practice law.

Success as a Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel at DigitalOcean requires excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities effectively. Candidates should possess strong negotiation skills, particularly for cloud technology agreements. Additionally, the ability to provide pragmatic legal advice that simplifies complex legal concepts for business teams is crucial. A collaborative approach, strong initiative, and a willingness to work cross-functionally will also contribute to success in this role.

At DigitalOcean, career development is a top priority. As a Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel, you'll engage with some of the smartest minds in the industry, challenging you to think big and broaden your perspectives. The organizational development team provides various resources to foster your growth, including training opportunities and mentorship programs, ensuring that you continuously evolve in your legal career.

DigitalOcean offers an appealing benefits package for the Strategic Transactions and Product Counsel position, which includes competitive salaries ranging from $185,000 to $215,000, based on experience and skills. In addition to base salaries, employees may qualify for bonuses linked to individual and company performance. DigitalOcean also provides equity compensation options, a flexible time-off policy, wellness allowances, and a work-from-home stipend, ensuring that all team members maintain a healthy work-life balance.

When negotiating cloud technology agreements, I focus on understanding both the technical requirements and business objectives of the deal. My approach involves collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to analyze their needs and aligning those with the legal frameworks. I prioritize clear communication of potential risks and ensure that the terms we agree on protect the company while still being attractive to the other party.

Certainly! When explaining complex legal concepts, like intellectual property rights related to AI products, I break it down into relatable terms. I would explain that intellectual property (IP) ensures that the original creators of AI models or software have rights to their inventions. This encourages innovation while allowing companies to monetize their technological advancements without the fear of theft, much like how authors have rights to their books.

I have extensive experience operationalizing data privacy and security compliance. This includes conducting thorough assessments of current policies, implementing necessary changes to ensure adherence to regulations, and training employees on privacy protocols. During this process, I focus on clear documentation and communication to ensure all teams understand their responsibilities in maintaining compliance.

In a previous role, I faced a situation where a strategic partnership was at risk because of a last-minute legal review needed before closing. I prioritized the task while collaborating with the business teams to ensure all legal aspects were covered. By being organized and focusing on the essential risks, I provided clear, pragmatic advice and helped close the deal on time, maintaining strong relations with the partners involved.

I regularly invest time in professional development, including attending legal seminars, webinars, and reading relevant publications. Additionally, I'm a member of legal forums and industry groups where I can engage with fellow professionals to discuss upcoming changes in technology law and AI. This proactivity helps me anticipate potential changes and advise my teams more effectively.

I prioritize tasks by assessing the urgency and impact of each project. I use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and ongoing responsibilities. By consistently communicating with stakeholders about progress and challenges, I can adjust priorities in real-time while ensuring that all legal obligations are met timely.

I focus on fostering an open environment for communication. Regular check-ins and updates help ensure everyone stays aligned with the overall goals. I make it a point to be approachable and encourage questions, ensuring all team members feel their input is valued. Utilizing collaborative tools also enhances transparency and allows for seamless coordination across departments.

To convey legal risks effectively, I simplify complex legal jargon and relate risks to business outcomes. I often use real-life examples or hypothetical scenarios that resonate with the teams. Throughout discussions, I focus on actionable strategies, ensuring that they understand the risks and their implications while providing clear recommendations for mitigating them.

Compliance is a foundational aspect of my everyday tasks. I actively assess and implement compliance frameworks across all agreements and decisions. My role requires me to ensure that legal standards are not only met but genuinely integrate into the company's operational practices, which protects both the company and its clients.

When conflicts arise during negotiations, I believe in adopting a collaborative approach. I listen to the concerns of all parties and seek to find common ground. My priority is to ensure that communication remains respectful and productive. I often propose creative solutions that address the interests of both parties, which can lead to a more favorable outcome for everyone.