Senior Lead Counsel, Product & IP - Remote

Overview

We’re not just building better tech. We’re rewriting how data moves and what the world can do with it. With Confluent, data doesn’t sit still. Our platform puts information in motion, streaming in near real-time so companies can react faster, build smarter, and deliver experiences as dynamic as the world around them.

It takes a certain kind of person to join this team. Those who ask hard questions, give honest feedback, and show up for each other. No egos, no solo acts. Just smart, curious humans pushing toward something bigger, together.

One Confluent. One Team. One Data Streaming Platform.

In Short

• Provide legal support throughout the product lifecycle, including development, launch, and ongoing management of SaaS offerings.
• Advise engineering, product management, and business teams on open source software use, licensing obligations, and intellectual property risks.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and product marketing to facilitate Confluent’s engagement with the open source community.
• Conduct license compliance reviews and oversee related audits to ensure adherence to open source policies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex technology agreements, including SaaS agreements, licensing agreements, and partnership contracts.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, training programs, and best practices related to open source software use and SaaS compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address data privacy, cybersecurity, and other regulatory requirements related to SaaS products.
• Monitor evolving legal and regulatory frameworks impacting SaaS and open source, advising on potential business implications.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7+ years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a focus on product counseling, open source software licensing, and SaaS.
• Deep understanding of open source licensing models (e.g., Apache, GPL, MIT) and their implications for SaaS products.
• Demonstrated experience advising on product compliance and related legal risks in a SaaS environment.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to address technical, business, and legal issues effectively.
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and their application to SaaS products.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• Belonging isn’t a perk here. It’s the baseline.
• We work across time zones and backgrounds, knowing the best ideas come from different perspectives.
• We make space for everyone to lead, grow, and challenge what’s possible.
• We’re proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.