Counsel

Job Summary

The Counsel will report directly to and will work closely under the supervision of ICANN’s Deputy General Counsel responsible for performing organization-wide legal duties and carrying out responsibilities in the following areas (including, but not limited to): implementation of legal strategy, management of legal issues relating to policy development, ICANN’s initiative to expand the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) through the introduction of new top-level domains (new gTLDs), and detailed contracted negotiations. The work will require complex problem solving and responsibilities requiring a significant degree of knowledge, business acumen, decision-making skills, and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide legal support for ICANN’s policy development activities, programs, and operational initiatives.
• Advises internal teams on legal issues, risk considerations, and compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and ICANN’s Bylaws.
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates a variety of commercial and transactional agreements, including registry and registrar contracts.
• Works directly with business units and on cross-functional teams to resolve legal and business issues.
• Supports Global Domains & Strategy colleagues on contracting and implementation matters, including aspects of the New gTLD Program.
• Identifies potential legal concerns in business practices and proposed policies, escalating issues as appropriate to supervising counsel.
• Prepares legal correspondence, reports, and materials for internal stakeholders, including senior management and Board Committees.
• Affords assistance with cross-functional legal projects and supports litigation counsel on transactional matters as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong business acumen with an acute understanding of the balance between risk and reward.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and navigate unresolved areas of law.
• Sound business/legal judgment with ability to balance business objectives and risk, and solve legal problems in a high-output, fast moving environment.
• Exceptional writing, contract drafting, and oral communication skills.
• High-quality work product with fast turnaround times.
• Ability to work independently as well as in cross-functional teams.
• Curiosity and passion for the development of the Internet and Domain Name System.
• Prowess in preparing detailed reports, presentations, and speeches to internal and external audiences.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.
• Minimum six (6) years legal experience with increasing responsibility and a focus on transactional-related legal work, including contract drafting and negotiations and providing substantive review, analysis, and advice on such proposed transactions.
• Active license to practice law and being a member in good standing with the appropriate bar or other legal authority is required; California bar membership is preferred.
• Experience or understanding of public-benefit, non-profit or multistakeholder environments is a plus.
• Global perspective.
• Fluency, both written and spoken, in English is required.
• Fluency written and spoken language skills in any of the other official languages of the United Nations is a plus.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Comfort level with an international work environment that requires availability at times outside normal business hours.
• Work is performed in a normal office environment with limited privacy and some exposure to background noise.

Pay

Targeted Base Salary Low: $100,000.00 + 20% Bonus + Benefits
Targeted Base Salary High: $140,000.00 + 20% Bonus + Benefits