Intellectual Property Counsel

At Accenture Federal Services, nothing matters more than helping the US federal government make the nation stronger and safer and life better for people. Our 13,000+ people are united in a shared purpose to pursue the limitless potential of technology and ingenuity for clients across defense, national security, public safety, civilian, and military health organizations. Join Accenture Federal Services, a technology company within global Accenture. Recognized as a Glassdoor Top 100 Best Place to Work, we offer a collaborative and caring community where you feel like you belong and are empowered to grow, learn and thrive through hands-on experience, certifications, industry training and more. Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward! Accenture Federal Services (AFS) is seeking a strategic, business-savvy, and forward-thinking Product, IP, and AI Counsel to join our Cyber and Emerging Technology team. This is a rare opportunity to shape how AFS develops, licenses, protects, and governs proprietary AFS and partner technologies, including software and hardware assets, artificial intelligence, and other intellectual property. In this highly visible role, you will partner with AFS and Accenture leadership. The ideal candidate brings judgment, subject matter expertise, and the ability to translate complex legal and commercial considerations into clear business guidance. To excel, you should be adept at leading IP and data aspects of product development and sales involving software, SaaS, managed services, and technology partnerships, with a strong understanding of federal and commercial practices. This role can be performed 100% remotely with a flexible work schedule—giving you the autonomy to do your best work. Ideally, the successful candidate will have the ability to attend key leadership meetings and industry events in-person in the Northern Virginia/DC area. Key Responsibilities This role serves as a trusted advisor on the full lifecycle of AFS technology creation, commercialization, deployment, and governance. Core responsibilities include: Interpret and apply evolving legal requirements, government policy, and industry best practices relating to IP, Federal data rights, AI, open-source software, and secure software development. Partner with cross-functional teams, including product/asset, proposal, delivery, contracting, pricing, cybersecurity, and supply chain to develop innovative commercialization paths. Structure, draft, and negotiate contracts, terms of use, and templates for emerging software, SaaS, and managed services. Advise on IP protection, inbound and outbound IP licensing, strategic partnerships, and the resolution of IP disputes. Manage intercompany IP initiatives and transfers in coordination with global IP and asset licensing teams. Lead efforts involving open-source software, technology partnerships, integration of acquired technologies, asset and service readiness and delivery, and responsible AI—developing robust mitigation strategies and preparing periodic risk assessments. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Deep subject matter expertise in IP, data rights, and contracting. Understanding of related technology and services, including cloud services, managed services, and software development. Command of software and service deployment models, technology partnerships, and resale arrangements. Experience designing, operationalizing, and implementing go-to-market, monetization, and compliance strategies for technology solutions. Familiarity with secure software development frameworks, open-source licenses, compliance tools, and risk assessment methodologies. Ability to drive complex, cross-functional projects to successful completion. Significant experience in drafting and negotiating government and commercial terms of service and other types of agreements and policies. Behaviors and Attributes Ability to synthesize complex legal analysis into clear, consistent, and actionable business recommendations. Ability to efficiently assess risk and drive change to achieve business and legal objectives. Motivated and proactive, with a strong desire to understand and address complex legal issues. Curiosity for learning about new technologies and industry best practices. Strong commitment to ethics, values, and company culture. Ability to perform as a leader and a team player. Executive presence - ability to collaborate and influence executives and technical teams Ability to work effectively with others remotely. Minimum Qualifications U.S. citizenship. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Active membership in a state bar. If not a member of the Virginia State Bar, must have or obtain a corporate counsel certificate from the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners or register as an in-house counsel with the Virginia State Bar. A minimum of 5 years of legal experience concentrated in IP, software or cloud service product counseling, AI, and/or government contracting. Strong Candidates Will Have 5 to 10 years or more of legal experience in technology transactions, IP, data rights, and/or data governance, focused on U.S. federal business for companies delivering software, SaaS, managed services, and/or other outsourced services. Prior experience in a law firm, the legal department of a technology or professional services company, or a relevant U.S. government role. Relevant industry or legal certifications. Experience applying federal acquisition regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, and other agency supplements and/or rules on safeguarding and dissemination of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Experience supporting asset, proposal, and/or delivery teams in the professional services, defense, intelligence, national security, or software development sectors. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a proactive commitment to professional development in rapidly evolving technology fields. The ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance in the future if needed. As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland . The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below. Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply. The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland is: $131,200 - $276,800 USD What We Believe As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. We have an unwavering commitment to creating a culture in which all our people are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included. This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the  Accenture Federal Services Equal Opportunity Policy Statement. Accenture Federal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Additionally, as an Affirmative Action Employer for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women. Requesting An Accommodation Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture Federal Services and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired. If you   are being considered for employment opportunities with Accenture Federal Services and need an accommodation for a disability or religious observance during the interview process or for the job you are interviewing for, please speak with your recruiter. Other Employment Statements Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture Federal Services or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration. Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information. California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.