Legal Counsel- Commercial Contracts

Workiva is seeking a Legal Counsel- Commercial Contracts to join our growing Legal team, with a focus on strategic support for global B2B SaaS transactions and go-to-market initiatives. In this role, you will draft, structure, and lead negotiations for a wide range of complex commercial agreements, enabling revenue growth while managing legal, regulatory, and data protection risk. You will operate as a trusted advisor and business partner to Sales, Product, and executive stakeholders, helping to shape pragmatic, scalable contracting approaches that support Workiva's continued growth.

What You'll Do

• Draft, structure, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of complex commercial agreements, including SaaS subscription contracts, strategic partnerships, NDAs, data protection agreements, AI addendums, content licenses, and vendor or supplier agreements

• Lead end-to-end negotiation processes independently, balancing legal risk with strategic business goals to successfully close high-impact deals

• Advise internal stakeholders on key legal and business issues related to cloud-based software agreements, including information security, IP ownership, data privacy, AI considerations, warranties, indemnities, and revenue recognition

• Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, business-ready guidance for executives and operational teams to support compliant and practical decision-making

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, demonstrating a collegial, solutions-oriented approach that promotes trust, inclusion, and partnership across all levels of the organization

• Support and enhance legal operations by improving contracting workflows, processes, and systems for greater efficiency, transparency, and scalability

• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form, simplifying complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences and ensuring alignment across stakeholders

• Uphold the company's ethical standards and demonstrate sound professional judgment in all legal and business matters

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, and member in good standing of a State Bar Association

• 6+ years of commercial legal and contract negotiation experience, with an emphasis on B2B SaaS transactions

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with software, SaaS, or cloud technology providers

• Background in public sector contracting (Federal, SLED, or GSA)

• Associate-level experience at an Am Law 100 or other leading law firm preferred, but not required

• Demonstrated expertise in resolving complex, non-standard agreements, with a strong understanding of product, data security, and privacy issues to drive effective negotiations

• Proven ability to lead commercial legal initiatives as a strategic partner, improving organizational efficiency and supporting business growth

• Capacity to quickly learn and navigate internal structures, product offerings, technology stacks, security/data protection protocols, and commercial contract standards to provide comprehensive support across the business

• Exposure to a broad range of commercial transactions and deal types

• Ability to Operate effectively in a fast-paced, global environment, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to take initiative, handle ambiguity, and embrace continuous learning

• Experience operating effectively in a fast-paced, global environment, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning

Travel Requirements & Working Conditions

• 25% travel for customer and internal meetings

• Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely and not in a Workiva office

How You'll Be Rewarded

A discretionary bonus typically paid annually

Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire

401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package

The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this job in the US. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience and other relevant factors.

Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic.

Workiva is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email talentacquisition@workiva.com.

Workiva employees are required to undergo comprehensive security and privacy training tailored to their roles, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

Workiva supports employees in working where they work best - either from an office or remotely from any location within their country of employment.