Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Public Software Company – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly traded software company based in the vibrant heart of New York, NY, in their search for a distinguished Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role for a legal professional with a profound understanding of the complexities of a global, public technology organization. The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will be the principal legal advisor to the company, its board of directors, and its senior management.
Our client is a fast-paced, innovative leader in the SaaS industry, renowned for its cutting-edge solutions that drive digital transformation for enterprise clients worldwide. As the CLO, you will be instrumental in navigating the company through its next phase of growth, providing strategic legal guidance that balances business objectives with risk mitigation. You will oversee all legal affairs of the company, including corporate governance, securities law compliance, commercial transactions, intellectual property, litigation, M&A, and data privacy. This position demands a strategic thinker with exceptional business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to lead a high-performing legal team in a dynamic environment. You will be a true business partner, deeply integrated into the strategic planning and execution processes of the company, ensuring legal and ethical integrity are at the core of every decision.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Public Software Company – New York, NY
The Chief Legal Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, acting as a strategic leader across multiple facets of the business. Key duties include:
Corporate Governance and Securities Law
- Advising the Board of Directors and its committees on all legal matters, including fiduciary duties, corporate governance best practices, and compliance with NASDAQ/NYSE listing standards.
- Overseeing the preparation and filing of all public disclosures and SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings.
- Managing the company’s corporate secretarial function, including the preparation of board materials, minutes, and maintenance of corporate records.
- Developing, implementing, and managing the company’s insider trading policy and overseeing equity plan administration in coordination with HR and Finance.
- Ensuring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and other relevant corporate governance regulations.
Commercial and Technology Transactions
- Leading the negotiation and drafting of a wide range of complex commercial agreements, including major customer SaaS contracts, strategic partnership and alliance agreements, and inbound/outbound technology licensing.
- Providing legal support for global sales, marketing, and business development teams to accelerate revenue growth while managing risk.
- Developing and maintaining standard contract templates, playbooks, and legal processes to improve efficiency and scalability.
- Overseeing the company’s global intellectual property portfolio, including patent, trademark, and copyright strategy, registration, and enforcement.
Litigation, Risk Management, and Compliance
- Managing all litigation, disputes, and regulatory inquiries or investigations involving the company, and overseeing the work of outside counsel.
- Proactively identifying potential legal risks and developing and implementing strategies to mitigate them.
- Overseeing the company’s global compliance program, including policies and training related to anti-bribery (FCPA), data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), and competition law.
- Managing the company’s insurance programs and enterprise risk management framework.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Strategic Initiatives
- Serving as the lead legal advisor on all M&A activities, from initial due diligence and structuring to negotiation, closing, and post-merger integration.
- Partnering with the corporate development team to evaluate and execute strategic investments and other corporate transactions.
Leadership and Department Management
- Leading, mentoring, and developing a talented team of in-house legal professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and business partnership.
- Managing the legal department’s budget, including the strategic use and cost-effective management of outside counsel and other legal service providers.
- Championing a culture of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Public Software Company – New York, NY
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned legal executive with a proven track record of success in a similar public company environment. We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:
Education and Bar Admission
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law and in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar, with the ability to register as in-house counsel in New York.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive legal experience, with a combination of practice at a leading law firm and in-house experience.
- Significant experience serving as a General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or Deputy General Counsel at a publicly traded company, preferably within the software, SaaS, or broader technology sector.
- Deep expertise in securities law, corporate governance, and SEC reporting requirements is mandatory.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex commercial transactions, M&A, and managing intellectual property portfolios.
- Experience building and leading high-performing legal teams.
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional business acumen and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-oriented legal advice.
- Proven ability to operate as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and sound judgment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing numerous complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- A proactive and hands-on leader who can balance strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation package, including:
- Competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Significant equity package (RSUs and/or stock options) providing a meaningful stake in the company’s success.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
- Paid parental leave and family support programs.
- Executive-level professional development and coaching opportunities.
- Commuter benefits and various wellness programs.
- An inclusive, dynamic, and collaborative work culture located in a modern New York City office.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review of all applicants.
For more information or to apply, please visit our practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you. Learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Legal Executive Search practice.
