UK Commercial Counsel Public Sector

Elastic, the Search AI Company, enables everyone to find the answers they need in real time, using all their data, at scale — unleashing the potential of businesses and people. The Elastic Search AI Platform, used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500, brings together the precision of search and the intelligence of AI to enable everyone to accelerate the results that matter. By taking advantage of all structured and unstructured data — securing and protecting private information more effectively — Elastic’s complete, cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability help organizations deliver on the promise of AI.

What is The Role:

We are hiring a solid Corporate Counsel, with 4+ years’ experience , to join our expanding International Commercial Legal department in this fast growing, truly globally distributed company. Reporting to the UK & Emerging Region Legal Director , this position will be ideal for a self-sufficient and resourceful mid-level attorney located in the United Kingdom.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Responsible for managing the full legal lifecycle of our Public Sector contracts (including Cloud/SaaS and Software Subscription agreements, Professional Services agreements, Data Processing Agreements and associated schedules ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, etc) — from early-stage bid support and framework call-off negotiations through to contract execution and ongoing contract management — while advising internally on the regulatory and compliance obligations that come with supplying cloud services to the Public Sector.
• Support the Sales & RFP Teams during live procurement processes, reviewing ITT/RFP requirements, drafting legal responses, and advising on terms and conditions proposed by contracting authorities.
• Engage closely with Elastic’s UK Legal Director based in France and Elastic’s Security Controller, based in the United Kingdom, the wider Legal Department spread across the USA, EMEA and APJ and Elastic’s go-to-market stakeholders e.g. finance and compliance organization.
• Supporting EMEA & Global Legal team members on ad hoc projects – as directed.
• Keeping abreast of relevant legal and regulatory developments and proactively advising the business on their implications.
• Help to build and strengthen workflow processes between the Legal Department and other departments within Elastic to enable dealmaking and compliance initiatives. This includes leaning into AI tools and automation opportunities.

What You Bring:

• You are qualified and legally permitted to practice law in the United Kingdom and have 4+ years’ experience in the drafting and negotiation of technology contracts (including Cloud/SaaS and Software Subscription agreements, Professional Services agreements, Data Processing Agreements) with Public Sector customers.
• Strong working knowledge of public procurement law, public law principles, and contract law, together with an understanding of cyber and information security obligations in technology contracts, and the ability to engage credibly with technical and security teams (including requirements for Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus certification, ISO 27001 compliance, and alignment with NCSC guidance).
• Experience & knowledge of relevant laws and legal systems in key regions such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Germany.
• You will have the ability to balance legal risks with business strategy.
• Candidates who have prior experience managing technology contracts for public sector entities, whetherin-house in the private sector, or with a central government department, local authority, or regulated public sector organisation, are preferred.
• You thrive while independently running your own time in a demanding, fast-paced environment, are able to handle ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities with flexibility, patience, and humour.

Bonus Points:

• A self-starter by nature - you have the proven track history to balance multiple projects and recalibrate advice in view of shifting priorities, legal developments, and risk tolerance.
• Experience with, or at least a good working knowledge of, complex software licensing and cloud business models and related legal issues.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver outstanding results.
• Familiarity with data protection and privacy issues and concerns in the context of technology transactions, as a significant plus.
• Prior experience representing high-growth companies is strongly preferred.
• Ability to collaborate and function well in a distributed team environment.
• Ability to participate in some limited travel requirements.
• Written and spoken English.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Information - We Take Care of Our People:

As a distributed company, diversity drives our identity. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or grow an existing one, Elastic is the type of company where you can balance great work with great life. Your age is only a number. It doesn’t matter if you’re just out of college or your children are; we need you for what you can do.

We strive to have parity of benefits across regions, and while regulations differ from place to place, we believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do.

• Competitive pay based on the work you do here and not your previous salary
• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
• Ability to craft your calendar with flexible locations and schedules for many roles
• Generous number of vacation days each year
• Increase your impact - We match up to $2000 (or local currency equivalent) for financial donations and service
• Up to 40 hours each year to use toward volunteer projects you love
• Embracing parenthood with a minimum of 16 weeks of parental leave

Different people approach problems differently. We need that. Elastic is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.

We welcome individuals with disabilities and strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all individuals. To request an accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email We will reply to your request within 24 business hours of submission.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws and can view the following posters linked below:

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster

Elasticsearch develops and distributes technology and information that is subject to U.S. and other countries’ export controls and licensing requirements for individuals who are located in or are nationals of the following sanctioned countries and regions: Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Russia, including the Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia (The Crimea region of Ukraine, The Donetsk People's Republic (DNR), The Luhansk People's Republic (LNR), Kherson or Zaporizhzhia). If you are located in or are a national of one of the listed countries or regions, an export license may be required as a condition of your employment in this role. Please note that national origin and/or nationality do not affect eligibility for employment with Elastic.

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