Commercial Counsel, Infrastructure

As a Commercial Counsel at OpenAI, you will take charge of legal guidance related to various compute and infrastructure initiatives. This includes drafting and negotiating compute purchase agreements and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will work alongside multidisciplinary teams to identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure the legalities of partnerships and transactions are well-articulated and addressed.

To be considered for the Commercial Counsel position at OpenAI, candidates should hold a JD and have a valid license to practice law in California. Furthermore, having 5+ years of legal experience, ideally within technology-focused law firms or as in-house counsel, is essential. A strong understanding of infrastructure, AI, and relevant legal frameworks will be crucial for success.

OpenAI fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. In the role of Commercial Counsel, you’ll participate in a hybrid work model, which allows you to work from the office three days a week. This setup promotes teamwork while also providing flexibility for focused work without the commute on off days, making it balanced and enjoyable.

The Commercial Counsel role at OpenAI is unique because it combines cutting-edge legal work with technology at the forefront of artificial intelligence. You’ll work on exciting projects that shape the future of AI infrastructure while addressing fundamental legal challenges. This unique intersection allows you to make meaningful contributions to innovative legal solutions in a rapidly evolving field.

OpenAI is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. In line with its equal opportunity employer status, OpenAI actively seeks to recruit candidates from various backgrounds and experiences for the Commercial Counsel role. They provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities and ensure that every potential employee has equal opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, or any other status.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences you have had in handling legal issues related to infrastructure projects, agreements, or partnerships. Discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, the strategies you used to address legal challenges, and the outcomes that resulted from your input.

Provide an example of how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous roles. Emphasize your systematic approach by discussing how you assess legal matters and your collaborative method of working with cross-functional teams to enhance risk management strategies.

Reflect on a specific negotiation where you faced obstacles. Describe the context, the key players involved, the tactics you employed, and how you achieved a successful resolution. This showcases your negotiation skills and strategic thinking.

Talk about your commitment to professional development and how you regularly engage in continuing education, attend relevant seminars, or participate in industry discussions. Mention specific resources or platforms you utilize to stay informed about legislation impacting AI and technology.

Detail your approach to building relationships within a team to foster collaboration. Discuss the importance of communication, whether by organizing regular meetings, being approachable, or understanding the unique challenges faced by different teams, highlighting your adaptability.

Explain your process for drafting agreements, mentioning the importance of clarity, thoroughness, and legal compliance. Share an example of a complex agreement you drafted and how your attention to detail contributed to the project's success.

Illustrate your ability to provide practical solutions while adhering to legal frameworks. Use a real-life example where you made a decision that balanced business objectives with necessary legal requirements.

Describe your conflict resolution style by emphasizing open communication, understanding different viewpoints, and seeking compromise. Detail an instance when you successfully navigated a disagreement and the lessons learned.

Share your passion for technology and AI, and how OpenAI’s mission aligns with your professional aspirations. Discuss the unique challenges you look forward to addressing as part of the Legal team and how they resonate with your career goals.

Discuss your familiarity with compliance standards and regulatory issues that impact the technology sector, focusing on your hands-on experiences. Cite specific examples where you navigated these challenges successfully within your previous roles.