Assistant General Counsel

Gunderson Dettmer is the only business law firm of its kind - exclusively serving the global venture capital and emerging technology marketplace. With 400 attorneys in eleven offices - from Silicon Valley to Singapore - we innovate for innovators, accelerate entrepreneurship, and help build companies at every stage of the growth lifecycle.  We are committed to being the employer of choice by working together to create an environment in which each of our people can grow, take initiative, and develop a fun, fulfilling and financially rewarding career.

Benefits

In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefit package, which includes full medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account and Paid Time Off. 

Job Description

The firm is seeking a full-time Assistant General Counsel (“AGC”) to join us as a firm-wide resource.  This position currently reports directly to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), but upon the retirement of the CCO in mid-2024 will take day-to-day direction from the General Counsel and will have a “dotted line” administrative reporting connection to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer.    

This newly created role will assist the General Counsel (“GC”), the Chief Compliance Officer and others in the Office of the General Counsel on an array of topics, but will focus on supporting the GC regarding potential claims, asserted claims and related litigation, as well as other operational functions related to the Office of General Counsel.    

Assistant General Counsel Responsibilities

The Assistant General Counsel – Operations will aid in the development of loss prevention programs to help the Firm avoid issues for clients and for itself.   If issues arise, the AGC will coordinate the litigation support activities of internal resources, outside counsel and, if warranted, insurance providers, and will:

• Act as a subject matter expert and will provide GC, CCO, Firm Committees and practice group leaders with legal advice related to circumstances, claims, investigations, litigation and arbitration and enforcement matters.
• Work with Lawyer’s Professional Liability (“LPL”) insurance carrier’s claims counsel and outside legal staff representing the Firm in negotiations or legal proceedings before courts, government agencies, or other authorities.
• Provide loss prevention strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal and regulatory risks based on past claims/circumstances.
• Act as an operational liaison with our malpractice risk purchase group and will manage LPL/Employment Practices Liability Insurance/Management Liability Insurance renewals.
• Act as a resource to the Director of Information Governance (“IG”) in the response to client or Firm subpoenas and document requests.  Will opine on the appropriateness of the subpoena, will guide IG through privilege issues and will act as a resource when non-standard legal holds are needed. 
• In addition to the above, the Assistant General Counsel will collaborate with and support others in the Office of General Counsel, including an Assistant General Counsel – Compliance focused on risk management, legal ethics guidance and compliance services.  Other functions in the Office of General Counsel including New Business Intake & Conflicts and New Business Acceptance. Members of the Office of General Counsel will jointly work on projects to develop, implement and continuously improve upon a comprehensive loss prevention and legal ethics program.  
• Upon the retirement of the CCO, if not sooner, the Director of Information Governance and the Information Security program personnel will transition to report directly to the AGC-Compliance.
• The AGC-Operations will work with the AGC-Compliance on a variety of interrelated projects and both will act as a resource to others in the Firm related to review and negotiation of the Firm’s contracts with vendors and consultants.
• The AGC-Operations will also work with various departments including IT, Knowledge Management, Innovation, HR, Legal Recruiting, Attorney Development and practice group representatives on information security, privacy and other projects or document reviews as needed.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant law firm, legal department or agency work experience.
• Proven history of assessing circumstances or claims a must.
• General litigation experience a plus, and claims counsel or Assistant General Counsel experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of legal ethics, loss prevention, insurance and the interconnectedness of the other areas of law firm operations will be a plus.

Job Requirements

• Candidates must have a J.D. with strong academic credentials.
• Active Bar Membership:  California or New York license is preferred, however candidate can be admitted to the bar of any state in which Gunderson Dettmer has an office.  License must be active and in good standing and appropriate for the state in which the candidate resides. 
• Strong communicator with exceptional oral and written communication skills mandatory.
• Expertise with litigation protocols and documentation a must.
• Ability to oversee and collaborate with outside counsel is imperative.
• Superlative interpersonal skills, inquisitive and enthusiastic and willing to work with lawyers and professional staff at all levels and in differing jurisdictions.  Must be able to influence and build strong working relationships with internal clients and colleagues in a collaborative and supportive manner.
• Must be able to handle queries efficiently, with diplomacy and tact, gaining confidence of all constituents.  A sense of humor is a must and the ability to respond to time critical and complex situations calmly and positively should be a given. 
• Excellent attention to detail with a methodical and organized approach to daily work and projects.  Able to manage workload effectively and move projects forward.
• Strong ethics and compliance background and aptitude.
• Knowledge of legal regulatory and legislative requirements for law firms, and an understanding of risk in the legal services environment, will be critical. 

Status

Full-time, in-person or hybrid work schedule is expected.  This is an exempt position.

The expected starting salary is $240,000 - $280,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience. 

Gunderson Dettmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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