Product Counsel
San Jose, CA; Ann Arbor, MI; Atlanta, GA
Legal – Legal (4031) /
Full-time /
On-site
At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.
The Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA) legal department is seeking a highly motivated Product Counsel with 5 to 7 years of relevant experience to provide comprehensive legal support across various areas, including commercial contracts/tech transactions, intellectual property (IP), data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), compliance, litigation, procurement, employment, and operations. This role requires an individual who can balance legal expertise with practical, business-oriented solutions, working closely with internal stakeholders in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
This hybrid role requires on-site attendance at least 4 days per week at our San Jose, California, Ann Arbor, Michigan, or Atlanta, Georgia locations. Please do not apply if you are unable to meet this requirement.
Job Responsibilities:
- Support Engineering & Product Teams: Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to engineering and product development teams, ensuring that legal considerations are integrated into the design, development, and deployment of new technologies.
- Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Negotiate, draft, and review commercial contracts including tech licensing agreements, service agreements, procurement/vendor agreements, NDAs, development agreements, proofs of concept, evaluation and technology transfer agreements.
- Intellectual Property (IP): Work with internal teams to manage intellectual property protection, commercialization, and licensing.
- Data Privacy & Security: Ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) in the development and operation of our products and services.
- Employment: Provide advice on employment law matters, including employee relations, investigations, and workplace policies.
- Litigation: Provide litigation support, including fact gathering, development of litigation strategy, outside counsel management, and internal litigation tracking.
- AI & Emerging Technologies: Advise on legal issues related to AI, including ethical considerations, IP, and proposed legislation and regulations. Conduct legal research on new and emerging technologies and issues impacting the company. Provide risk assessments and practical legal solutions to business challenges.
- General Legal Support: Provide legal counsel on a wide variety of corporate matters, including corporate governance, operations, regulatory compliance, and corporate policies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- J.D. Degree from accredited law school and at least 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney at a law firm or an in-house legal department.
- 5 years of relevant in-house and/or law firm experience, ideally in a tech, automotive, or engineering-related industry.
- Ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable, business-oriented advice.
- Highly motivated, intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and able to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
- Committed to fostering positive and respectful relationships, internally and externally.
- A proactive, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, embracing tasks of all sizes with enthusiasm and drive.
- Admission to and current good standing with the bar of at least one state (California, Michigan, or Georgia preferred).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a global tech company
- Experience with legal issues surrounding AI and autonomous vehicles
- Law firm experience
- CIPP/US (Privacy) certification
- Familiarity with litigation
The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, job-related education, skills, and experience, geographic location, and market conditions. The current salary range for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $164,100 - $256,800.
Why should you apply?
Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.
Benefits for Full-Time* Employees Include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• 401(k) with employer match
• Up to 18 company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance program
• Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs
* Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits
MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.
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