Sr. Counsel, Public Sector

Databricks Databricks · Data AI · Washington, DC · Legal

This role is for a Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial (Public Sector) at Databricks, focusing on supporting US federal and SLED sales and GTM teams. The primary responsibilities include managing SaaS and professional services transactions with public sector customers, advising on regulatory compliance, and negotiating agreements. The role requires a JD, 7+ years of legal experience, and familiarity with US government contracting, intellectual property, data privacy, and the legal implications of AI/ML.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead both direct and partner-led (channel) public sector SaaS transactions, including master cloud services agreements, subcontracts, and responses to RFPs/RFIs.
  2. Draft and negotiate professional services Statements of Work (SOWs) with a specific focus on protecting intellectual property and navigating data rights within an AI and data-driven ecosystem.
  3. Partner with cross-functional teams across US public sector sales, finance, operations, deal desk, product, and security to ensure agreements reflect and protect the company’s interests.
  4. Advise internal clients on the legal and business nuances of government contracting, particularly as they relate to the deployment of emerging AI technologies.
  5. Proactively evaluate and inform management regarding potential opportunities and risks concerning contractual, regulatory, compliance, and financial matters.

Skills

Required

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admitted to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • At least 7+ years of relevant legal experience at a major law firm and/or in-house legal department of a SaaS company (experience in both settings is ideal).
  • Experience negotiating US government contracts, task orders, and subcontracts, with a working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and GSAR.
  • A strong interest in or experience with intellectual property, data privacy, and the legal implications of AI and machine learning.
  • Familiarity with government cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, CMMC, etc.).
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Active US security clearance or the willingness and capacity to obtain one.

Nice to have

  • Experience supporting both direct sales and indirect "channel" partner sales (e.g., through systems integrators or resellers) is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with Canadian public sector SaaS contracting is a plus.

What the JD emphasized

  • US public sector regulatory compliance
  • US federal and SLED sales and GTM teams
  • US public sector customers
  • US public sector business
  • US government contracting
  • legal implications of AI and machine learning
  • government cybersecurity and regulatory frameworks