[Remote] Legal Director at Accela

United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Technology, SaaS, Public SectorIndustries

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school
Active membership in a state bar, with eligibility for California Registered In-House Counsel if not CA-barred
6+ years of legal experience, including at least 3 years in-house at a technology or SaaS company
Strong experience negotiating commercial contracts, particularly with government entities
Solid understanding of SaaS business models and software licensing
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-first mindset
Familiarity with revenue recognition principles and their impact on contract terms (preferred)
Experience supporting enterprise software sales and professional services engagements (preferred)
Exposure to privacy, compliance, or government relations (preferred)

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, software licensing, professional services, and maintenance agreements
Partner with Sales and Services teams to drive deals to closure efficiently while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Provide strategic legal guidance on RFPs, government procurement processes, and contract structures
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement scalable legal processes and templates that support revenue growth
Support cross-functional initiatives involving legal input, including compliance, sales operations, and risk management
Stay current on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting SaaS and public sector contracting
Identify and develop a secondary area of legal expertise (e.g., privacy, compliance, or employment law) to support broader legal team initiatives

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SaaS AgreementsSoftware LicensingProfessional Services AgreementsGovernment ProcurementRFPsContract NegotiationLegal CompliancePublic Sector Contracting

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Legal Director role?

Required qualifications include a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school, active state bar membership with eligibility for California Registered In-House Counsel, 6+ years of legal experience with at least 3 years in-house at a technology or SaaS company, strong experience negotiating commercial contracts especially with government entities, solid understanding of SaaS business models, ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this Legal Director role remote or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of work environment can I expect at Accela?

The role thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where you'll work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Services, Finance, and Operations, requiring a collaborative, team-first mindset.

What makes a strong candidate for the Legal Director position?

A strong candidate has deep experience negotiating complex SaaS and services agreements particularly in the public sector, strong business acumen to balance legal risk with business objectives, and preferred familiarity with revenue recognition, enterprise software sales, or privacy/compliance; demonstrating these through in-house tech/SaaS experience will stand out.

Accela

Cloud-based solutions for government agencies

About Accela

Accela provides cloud-based solutions designed for government agencies to enhance civic engagement and streamline operations. Its main product, the Construct API, enables developers to create applications that improve interactions between government entities and citizens. These applications can assist with various civic functions, including permitting, licensing, code enforcement, and public health management. Accela differentiates itself from competitors by offering a subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) model, along with open-source tools and resources that foster a community of developers focused on civic technology. The company's goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction in government services.

San Ramon, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1999Year Founded

$151.4MTotal Funding

GROWTH_EQUITY_VCCompany Stage

Government & Public Sector, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Family Planning Benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Mental Health Support

Risks

Emerging civic tech startups pose a threat to Accela's market share.

Integration challenges with OpenCounter may disrupt service delivery.

Economic downturns could reduce government spending on Accela's SaaS solutions.

Differentiation

Accela offers a comprehensive suite of cloud-based solutions for government agencies.

The Construct API enables developers to enhance civic engagement and streamline operations.

Accela's acquisition of OpenCounter simplifies permitting and licensing processes for users.

Upsides

Increased demand for digital government services boosts Accela's SaaS offerings.

Smart city initiatives globally expand Accela's market reach.

Data-driven decision-making in government operations increases demand for Accela's analytics capabilities.

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