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. Advise internal teams on legal issues, risk considerations, and compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and ICANN’s Bylaws. Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of commercial and transactional agreements, including registry and registrar contracts. Work directly with business units and on cross-functional teams to resolve legal and business issues. Support Global Domains & Strategy colleagues on contracting and implementation matters, including aspects of the New gTLD Program. Identify potential legal concerns in business practices and proposed policies, escalating issues as appropriate to supervising counsel. Prepare legal correspondence, reports, and materials for internal stakeholders, including senior management and Board Committees. Assist with cross-functional legal projects and support litigation counsel on transactional matters as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions) 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. Proven ability to prepare 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. Fluent 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.