Lead major commercial negotiations and complex transactions, drawing on the AI Assistant’s first-pass contract analysis to focus human attention where it matters most
Collaborate with Sales, Operations and Procurement to ensure legal contracts are fit for purpose, establishing and maintaining master templates
Appoint and oversee external legal counsel, as aligned with the CFO
Own and maintain Automata's business-wide risk register, working with the leadership team to identify, scope and manage key risks
Set and maintain Automata's AI use policy for legal functions
Guide on regulatory and compliance matters across jurisdictions (UK, EU, and US)
Own the preparation of Board resolutions, working with external legal counsel as required
Direct the design and maintenance of AI-assisted workflows
Maintain a clear audit trail of AI-assisted legal decisions
Provide support to the HR team on employment-related legal matters
Own IP strategy, including brand protection, trade mark registration and renewals
Build and develop lean, high-performance internal legal processes

Qualified solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) with 10+ years' post-qualification experience, including in-house general counsel experience
US qualified lawyer or US legal practice experience would be useful, given Automata's US expansion
Proven experience working in or alongside fast-growth, technology-driven environments — you understand that speed and pragmatism are competitive advantages
Familiarity with AI-assisted legal tools and legal tech platforms is essential.
Strong commercial instincts: you understand how legal issues impact the organisation and proactively address challenges before they become problems
Exceptional communication skills — able to translate complex legal positions into clear guidance for non-legal stakeholders at speed.
Confidence to represent Automata in negotiations and in front of the Board, investors and regulators
Excellent stakeholder management across a fast-moving, cross-functional leadership team, highly organised and able to manage multiple workstreams at once

General Counsel

Key skills