Commercial Counsel

Who You Are

We are seeking an action-oriented and positive Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support for all commercial and strategic transactions and intellectual property licensing matters. You will be an integral part of our team, working closely with business leaders across the organization to navigate complex legal issues, mitigate risks, and drive strategic initiatives forward. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced attorney with a strategic mindset, a strong sense of professionalism, and a good sense of humor and enthusiasm to make a significant impact in a rapidly expanding green technology company.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor on a wide range of commercial transactions, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various agreements such as Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Sample Evaluation Agreements, Supply Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Construction Agreements
• Provide comprehensive legal counsel and support to our product and R&D teams, including advising on product development, regulatory compliance, intellectual property considerations related to new products, and go-to-market strategies.
• Provide legal counsel and support for intellectual property matters, including licensing agreements, and collaborate closely with technical teams on IP strategy, protection, and licensing. F
• Advise on government contracting matters, including reviewing and negotiating government contracts and ensuring meticulous grant management and compliance.
• Develop and implement internal legal policies and procedures to ensure compliance, mitigate legal risks, and support efficient operations within the product and R&D functions.
• Design and implement scalable processes and develop standardized contract templates to enhance efficiency and consistency across commercial and product-related legal matters.
• Provide proactive legal advice and support on a variety of legal issues impacting the business, including commercial law, contract law, intellectual property law, product liability, regulatory compliance, and data privacy.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various departments, including R&D, product management, engineering, operations, finance, and business development.
• Manage outside counsel as needed.
• Stay informed of relevant legal, regulatory, and industry developments, particularly those impacting the green energy and battery technology sectors.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, contributing your sense of humor and enthusiasm to the team dynamic.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of at least one state bar (admitted to practice in California preferred)
• Minimum 5-7 years of combined legal experience in-house at a technology or manufacturing company and a top-tier law firm.
• Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including those listed above.
• Demonstrated experience providing legal support to product development and R&D teams, including advising on regulatory considerations and intellectual property aspects of new products.
• Experience with intellectual property licensing and related legal matters.
• Familiarity with government contracting and grant management and compliance is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting companies in the electric vehicle or broader battery technology space is a significant plus.
• Proven ability to develop and implement legal policies, processes, and templates.
• Strong understanding of commercial law principles and practices.
• Excellent negotiation, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Action-oriented with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Positive attitude, strategic thinker, and a high degree of professionalism.
• A good sense of humor and enthusiasm are highly valued.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

Full-Time Exempt

The starting base pay for this role is between $180,000 and $244,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. #LI-RS1 #LI-Onsite