Legal Counsel (IP), Product and Technology

Job TitleLegal Counsel (IP), Product and Technology Job DescriptionOverview of the Role Are you a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys partnering with product and technology teams to help bring innovative solutions to market? We're looking for a Legal Counsel to join Sage's Product & Technology Legal team, providing practical, outcome-focused legal support across our global product organisation. In this role, you'll act as a trusted adviser to product, engineering and go-to-market teams, helping accelerate the design, development and launch of Sage solutions while appropriately managing legal risk. You'll advise on a range of technology-related matters including artificial intelligence, intellectual property, data privacy, financial services considerations and the integration of third-party technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation, supporting emerging technologies including generative and agentic AI, while helping to shape how legal services are delivered in a modern, technology-driven environment. Overview of the Team The Product & Technology Legal team sits within Sage's Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and partners closely with colleagues across Product, Engineering, Commercial Legal, Privacy and Security. Working as an embedded business partner, you'll engage early in the product lifecycle, contributing to roadmap discussions, design reviews and product readiness activities. The team plays a key role in helping Sage deliver innovative solutions globally while ensuring legal, regulatory and compliance considerations are addressed in a pragmatic and commercially focused way. Alongside product-related work, the team also supports Sage's trademark and brand management activities, helping to protect one of the world's most recognised technology brands. You'll be part of a collaborative team that values continuous improvement, embraces new technologies and actively explores opportunities to use AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and scale legal support. Office Location Newcastle or London Hybrid Working - 3 days per week in our Newcastle or London office and 2 days from home. Key ResponsibilitiesWhat You'll Be Doing? You'll work across a varied and engaging range of legal matters, including: • Providing commercially focused legal support throughout the product development and product readiness lifecycle. • Advising on artificial intelligence, intellectual property, data privacy and technology-related legal issues. • Supporting compliance initiatives across product, financial services and marketing regulation. • Partnering with product and engineering teams to support emerging technologies, including generative and agentic AI. • Supporting trademark and brand management activities, including protection, enforcement, dispute management and portfolio governance. • Managing trademark records, reporting, templates, playbooks and governance materials. • Drafting and negotiating technology, procurement, partner and commercial agreements. • Developing practical guidance, education materials and self-service resources for business stakeholders. • Identifying opportunities to improve legal operations through automation, AI and process optimisation. • Building strong relationships across global business teams and acting as a trusted legal adviser. • Championing innovation and contributing to a high-performing, collaborative One-OGC culture. What We're Looking For? We're looking for a lawyer who combines legal expertise with commercial awareness and a passion for technology. Essential Experience & Skills; • Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent legal qualification) with at least 2 years' post-qualification experience. • Strong commercial legal experience gained in-house or in private practice. • Experience providing pragmatic, business-focused legal advice in a technology environment. • Knowledge of intellectual property, data privacy and artificial intelligence legal considerations. • Working knowledge of GDPR and the EU AI Act. • Experience supporting trademark and brand management activities. • Excellent drafting, negotiation and matter management skills. • Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication abilities. • Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders. • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, global and collaborative environment. • A growth mindset with a willingness to embrace change and continuously improve ways of working. Benefits? We have plenty… • Generous bonuses and pension scheme: Up to 8% matched pension contribution plus 2% top‑up by Sage • 25 days of paid annual leave with the option to buy up to another 5 days • 8 bank holiday days • Paid 5 days yearly to volunteer through our Sage Foundation • 50% income protection • Holiday buy + sell • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage • Work away scheme for up to 10 weeks a year • Ongoing training and professional development • Hybrid working • Healthy Mind app membership • Access to various helpful memberships for finances, health and wellbeing #LI-SW1 FunctionLegal CountryUnited Kingdom Office LocationNewcastle;London Work Place typeHybrid AdvertWorking at Sage means you’re supporting millions of small and medium sized businesses globally with technology to work faster and smarter. We leverage the future of AI, meaning business owners spend less time doing routine tasks, like entering invoices and generating reports, and more time pursuing their ambitions.Our colleagues are the best of the best. It’s why we were awarded 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor. Because to achieve extraordinary outcomes, we need extraordinary teams. This means infusing Sage with people who knock down barriers, continuously innovate, and want to experience their potential. Learn more about working at Sage: sage.com/en-gb/company/careers/working-at-sage/Watch a video about our culture: youtube.com/watch?v=qIoiCpZH-QEWe celebrate individuality and welcome you to join us if you embrace all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and ways of working. If you need support applying, reach out at careers@sage.com. Learn more about DEI at Sage: sage.com/en-gb/company/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/