Lead Counsel Employment

DeepL is a global communications platform powered by Language AI. Since 2017, we've been on a mission to break down language barriers. Our human-sounding translations and intelligent writing suggestions are designed with enterprise security in mind. Today, they enable over 100,000 businesses to transform communications, reach new markets, and improve productivity. And, empower millions of individuals worldwide to make sense of the world and express their ideas.

Our goal is to become the global leader in Language AI, building products that drive better communication, foster connections, and make a real-life impact. To achieve this, we need talented individuals like you to join our exciting journey. If you're ready to work with a dynamic team and build your career in the fast-moving AI space, DeepL is your next destination.

What sets us apart is our blend of modern technology, competitive benefits, and an open, welcoming work culture that enables our people to thrive. When we share what it's like to work at DeepL, the reactions are overwhelmingly positive. This may be because of our products that have helped countless people worldwide or our shared mission to improve communication for individuals and businesses, bringing cultures closer together. What we know for sure is this: being part of DeepL means joining a team dedicated to innovation and employee well-being. Discover what our teams have to say about life at DeepL on LinkedIn , Instagram and our Blog .

At DeepL, we're on an exciting adventure to expand our operations to match our ambitious growth plans. At the heart of this journey is our Legal team, a cornerstone of DeepL's commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance.

Our mission is clear: to build and develop high-performing legal teams that embody DeepL's innovative spirit and drive for excellence. As a member of our Legal team, you will be at the forefront of navigating the complex legal landscape to support our growth and innovation. Working in close partnership with all departments, including Product, Engineering, Sales, and People & Culture, you will collaborate to ensure that our operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Provide strategic legal advice on a wide range of employment law issues, including hiring, performance management, terminations, and workplace policies.

• Draft, review, and negotiate employment-related agreements and contracts.

• Ensure compliance with UK employment laws and regulations, as well as relevant international laws.

• Manage and resolve employment disputes and litigation.

• Conduct training sessions for our People & Culture team on employment law topics.

• Collaborate with the People & Culture teams to address employment law issues in various jurisdictions.

• Stay updated on changes in employment law and advise on potential impacts to the company.

• Lead the global employment team.

• Work with external counsel and provide interpretation of advice to internal stakeholders.

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and plan in conjunction with P&C to ensure compliance and up-to-date policies, templates, etc.

• Provide proactive advice, fostering ownership and accountability, and align with company culture while managing risk.

• Admission to practice law in the UK.

• A successful candidate should have ideally at least 7+ years of experience as a legal counsel specialising in employment law (ideally a combination of private practice and in-house).

• Must have experience working in a global tech company.

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and regulations.

• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

• Experience with employment law in other jurisdictions.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Established people management skills (as the role will also involve leading an Employment team).

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to analyse complex information and identify the key issue/action to drive resolutions.

• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English as we are an English-speaking organisation.

• Diverse and internationally distributed team: joining our team means becoming part of a large, global community with people of more than 90 nationalities. We're more than just colleagues; we're a group of professionals with a shared mission to connect diverse cultures. Our global presence is growing-we've doubled in size nearly every year, with our employees based in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and Japan, and we continue to expand our network.

• Open communication, regular feedback: as a language-focused company, we value the importance of clear, honest communication. We value smooth collaboration, direct and actionable feedback, and believe that leading with empathy and growth mindset makes us better together.

• Hybrid work, flexible hours: we offer a hybrid work schedule, with team members coming into the office twice a week. This allows you to engage directly with your team and experience the unique energy of our workspace, while still enjoying the flexibility and comfort of working from home. With flexible working hours and trust in your productivity, we are in sync with your team's general locations and time zones to foster effective and seamless collaboration.

• Regular in-person team events: we bond over vibrant events that are as unique as our team, from local team and business unit gatherings, to new-joiner onboardings, to company-wide events that bring us all together-literally.

• Monthly full-day hacking sessions: every month, we have Hack Fridays, where you can spend your time diving into a project you're passionate about and get the opportunity to work with other teams-we value your initiatives, impact, and creativity.

• 30 days of annual leave: we value your peace of mind. With 30 days off (excluding public holidays) and access to mental health resources, we make sure you're as strong mentally as you are professionally.

• Competitive benefits: just as our team spans the globe, so does our benefits package. We've crafted it to reflect the diversity of our team and tailored it to align with your unique location, to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

If this role and our mission resonate with you, but you're hesitant because you don't check all the boxes, don't let that hold you back. At DeepL, it's all about the value you bring and the growth we can foster together. Go ahead, apply-let's discover your potential together. We can't wait to meet you!

You are welcome at DeepL for who you are-we appreciate authenticity here. Our product is for everyone, and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all succeed, contribute, and think forward! So bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's in our diversity that we will find the power to break down language barriers in the world.