Sr. Open Source Counsel

About Anaconda

Be at the center of AI

Python is one of the world’s most popular programming languages, and Anaconda is the Python company. With over 47 million users, Anaconda is the most widely-used system for building in Python and has become the foundational operating system for AI. Working in Anaconda, users can access critical open-source Python packages in a proprietary, secure, and highly efficient environment, making it a must-have tool for anyone working with data and building for AI.  We pioneered Python for data science, championed its vibrant community, and continue to steward open-source projects that make tomorrow’s innovations possible. From Meta to Microsoft, Snowflake to some of the most prominent academic and research institutions worldwide, our enterprise-grade solutions enable corporate, research, and academic institutions to harness the power of open source for competitive advantage, groundbreaking research, and speed in a rapidly moving world. Anaconda is a 400-person, hypergrowth startup backed by leading investors.  

Here is what people love most about working here: we’re not just a company; we’re part of a movement. Our users are democratizing the fields of data science, LLM building, and AI engineering, powering the AI revolution that is happening now and still ahead. Promoting open-source technologies for a better world, Anaconda has experienced hyper-scaling growth as our commercial offerings make it possible for enterprise users to leverage the most innovative output from open source in a secure, governed, efficient way. With attractive financial results, significant funding, and a loyal user base and community, Anaconda's true growth is still ahead as we continue to lean toward what makes our work culture unique: empathy, transparency, and genuine human connection.

Summary

Anaconda seeks a Senior Open Source Counsel to lead legal strategy around open source licensing, intellectual property protection, and community engagement. This role reports to the Head of Commercial Legal or the Head of Product Legal (depending on candidate’s skillset) and is a fully remote opportunity, offering a fantastic opportunity to be an integral member of a small, rapidly scaling legal function of high impact.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the company’s internal expert on open source licensing, requirements, regulations, and policy.
• Develop and execute patent strategy and product protection initiatives while simultaneously balancing the priorities of our open source initiatives.
• Provide legal guidance on product development and open source community relations, including licensing, policy, and compliance.
• Bring a seasoned perspective and deep networking on open source policy and community issues, shaping Anaconda’s approach in this space and with influential community and policy groups.
• Flex across various legal needs of a high-growth company, including engaging in contracts negotiation, product counseling, AI advising, and IP asset management and working closely with our marketing, community relations, and similar teams, based on background and interest.
• Establish scalable legal processes and track key operational and business metrics.
• Mentor and train internal teams on open source legal frameworks and best practices.
• Act as an internal and external expert strategic business partner, advising leadership on legal matters critical to growth and innovation.

What You Need:

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school and license to practice in an applicable jurisdiction.
• Multiple years relevant legal experience, including multiple years of progressive responsibility in the in-house context.
• Seasoned open source attorney with expertise in open source legal issues, including the relationship between open source and licensing and IP protection.
• Deep and demonstrable engagement with open source issues and open source communities or initiatives
• Ability to operate as an individual contributor with the scrappy mentality needed to succeed in a high-growth company.
• A defined point of view on, and high proficiency experience with, issues systemic to data flows and data science, the rise of LLMs, and broader AI-related legal and compliance issues.
• Prior experience at a company with strong open source foundations.
• Passion for