Product, IP, and AI Counsel

Accenture Federal Services (AFS) is seeking a strategic, business-savvy, and forward-thinking Product, IP, and AI Counsel to join our Cyber and Emerging Technology team.  This is a rare opportunity to shape how AFS develops, licenses, protects, and governs proprietary AFS and partner technologies, including software and hardware assets, artificial intelligence, and other intellectual property.  In this highly visible role, you will partner with AFS and Accenture leadership. 
The ideal candidate brings judgment, subject matter expertise, and the ability to translate complex legal and commercial considerations into clear business guidance.  To excel, you should be adept at leading IP and data aspects of product development and sales involving software, SaaS, managed services, and technology partnerships, with a strong understanding of federal and commercial practices.  

This role can be performed 100% remotely with a flexible work schedule—giving you the autonomy to do your best work.  Ideally, the successful candidate will have the ability to attend key leadership meetings and industry events in-person in the Northern Virginia/DC area.

Key Responsibilities

This role serves as a trusted advisor on the full lifecycle of AFS technology creation, commercialization, deployment, and governance.  Core responsibilities include:  

• Interpret and apply evolving legal requirements, government policy, and industry best practices relating to IP, Federal data rights, AI, open-source software, and secure software development.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including product/asset, proposal, delivery, contracting, pricing, cybersecurity, and supply chain to develop innovative commercialization paths.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate contracts, terms of use, and templates for emerging software, SaaS, and managed services.
• Advise on IP protection, inbound and outbound IP licensing, strategic partnerships, and the resolution of IP disputes.  
• Manage intercompany IP initiatives and transfers in coordination with global IP and asset licensing teams.
• Lead efforts involving open-source software, technology partnerships, integration of acquired technologies, asset and service readiness and delivery, and responsible AI—developing robust mitigation strategies and preparing periodic risk assessments.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Deep subject matter expertise in IP, data rights, and contracting.
• Understanding of related technology and services, including cloud services, managed services, and software development.
• Command of software and service deployment models, technology partnerships, and resale arrangements.
• Experience designing, operationalizing, and implementing go-to-market, monetization, and compliance strategies for technology solutions.
• Familiarity with secure software development frameworks, open-source licenses, compliance tools, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Ability to drive complex, cross-functional projects to successful completion.
• Significant experience in drafting and negotiating government and commercial terms of service and other types of agreements and policies.

Behaviors and Attributes

• Ability to synthesize complex legal analysis into clear, consistent, and actionable business recommendations.
• Ability to efficiently assess risk and drive change to achieve business and legal objectives.
• Motivated and proactive, with a strong desire to understand and address complex legal issues.
• Curiosity for learning about new technologies and industry best practices.
• Strong commitment to ethics, values, and company culture.
• Ability to perform as a leader and a team player.
• Executive presence - ability to collaborate and influence executives and technical teams
• Ability to work effectively with others remotely.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in a state bar.  If not a member of the Virginia State Bar, must have or obtain a corporate counsel certificate from the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners or register as an in-house counsel with the Virginia State Bar.
• A minimum of 5 years of legal experience concentrated in IP, software or cloud service product counseling, AI, and/or government contracting.

Strong Candidates Will Have 

• 5 to 10 years or more of legal experience in technology transactions, IP, data rights, and/or data governance, focused on U.S. federal business for companies delivering software, SaaS, managed services, and/or other outsourced services.
• Prior experience in a law firm, the legal department of a technology or professional services company, or a relevant U.S. government role.
• Relevant industry or legal certifications.
• Experience applying federal acquisition regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, and other agency supplements and/or rules on safeguarding and dissemination of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Experience supporting asset, proposal, and/or delivery teams in the professional services, defense, intelligence, national security, or software development sectors.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a proactive commitment to professional development in rapidly evolving technology fields.
• The ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance in the future if needed.