Job Description

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.