Head of Legal

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Develop and enhance the strategy, priorities, operational framework, and team for Tailscale’s legal function.

• Provide counsel to executives and cross-functional leaders regarding legal and business matters.

• Assist leaders in recognizing significant risks, evaluating trade-offs, and implementing suitable safeguards.

• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Security, Sales, Finance, People, Operations, Marketing, and various other teams.

• Offer insights on corporate governance, product development, open-source software, intellectual property, privacy, data, AI, security, employment, commercial relationships, compliance, and international operations.

• Establish scalable legal processes, policies, systems, and decision-making frameworks.

• Assess which legal capabilities should be developed in-house, delegated to team members, or supported by external counsel.

• Recruit and empower legal team members, including developing a dedicated commercial legal function.

• Select and oversee outside counsel in the countries where Tailscale operates.

• Coordinate guidance across various jurisdictions and convert local requirements into cohesive company practices.

• Support strategic partnerships, corporate initiatives, and other vital business matters.

• Anticipate evolving legal and regulatory trends and assist the company in preparing for them.

• Influence the operational dynamics of the Legal department at Tailscale as the company expands.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive legal experience, including substantial in-house experience within a technology company.

• Proven history of aiding legal functions in scaling within startup or high-growth settings.

• A Juris Doctor degree.

• Active membership in at least one relevant bar or equivalent authorization to practice law.

• Progressive advancement in scope, complexity, ownership, and influence.

• Broad business acumen that transcends a single specialization.

• Experience advising executives and senior leaders on intricate or significant decisions.

• Capability to comprehend business objectives, identify critical risks, and suggest practical solutions.

• Experience collaborating with technical, operational, and commercial teams.

• Familiarity with legal issues faced by a growing software or technology company.

• Experience working with outside counsel and translating specialized advice into actionable business recommendations.

• Demonstrated success in building or enhancing legal capabilities, teams, programs, processes, or practice areas.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Strong judgment and curiosity.

• Comfort in navigating ambiguity and transitioning between strategic leadership and hands-on execution.

• Admission and standing with at least one recognized state, provincial, or other bar association.

🏝️ Benefits

• An inclusive and flexible environment where you can express your authentic self.

• Competitive total compensation package that includes base salary and an equity incentive plan.

• Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period, covering health, vision, and dental for you and your family.

• Remote-first work culture with flexible work arrangements.

• Virtual and in-person social events.

• Corporate co-working program.

• Employer-funded retirement contributions that match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum annual employer contribution equivalent to 0.75% of eligible compensation.

• Annual company retreat and team off-sites.

• $1,500 USD annually for professional development.

• Opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and internal promotions.

• Flexible paid time off.

• Company-issued laptop (Mac or PC).

• Monthly reimbursement for home internet.

• $500 USD allowance for home office setup.

• Paid parental leave top-ups: 20 weeks for birthing parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents.

• An accessible and inclusive hiring process with accommodations available.