Job description
Summary
The Eclipse Foundation is one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, with a
proven track record of enabling developer-focused open source innovation earned over 20
years. The Foundation is the home of numerous industry-leading projects and collaborations
including Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Eclipse IDE, IOT and Jakarta EE. Supported by
over 350 members globally, the Foundation has an established international reach and
reputation.
The Role
As our Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a critical role in navigating the complex legal
landscape of open source software, ensuring our foundation operates ethically, transparently,
and in alignment with global legal standards. This position reports to and works with the
Secretary of the Eclipse Foundation but will work collaboratively with the entire leadership team.
Responsibilities
- Software Licensing: Provide expert guidance on open source software licensing including compliance with popular licenses (e.g., EPL, Apache, MIT).
- Legal Advisory: Advise on legal matters related to software development, distribution and contribution, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s mission and policies.
- Contracts & Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, contributor agreements,and partnership agreements.
- Community Engagement: Collaborate with open source software communities, ensuringalignment with legal requirements while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
- Cross-Jurisdictional Expertise: Navigate legal issues involving US and European law (particularly German and Belgian), including intellectual property, data protection, and corporate governance.
- Internal Policy Development: Assist in developing and maintaining internal policies related to legal compliance, risk management, and governance.
- Policy Advocacy: Support our policy teams in analysing and complying with draft legislation and regulation.
- Management of outside counsel services: Manage the foundation’s relationships with various outside counsel to ensure the foundation receives value for investment.
Qualifications
Required
- Extensive experience with software licensing, including open source licensing models.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to handle complex legal issues independently.
- Fluent in English with proven proficiency of working in an English business environment.
- Proven proficiency with German and/or Belgian contract law.
Preferred
- Experience working with or advising open source software communities.
- Familiarity with open source compliance tools and practices.
- Public speaking experience both in person and virtual.
- Knowledge of both US and European (particularly German and Belgian) law, particularlyin intellectual property and technology law.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a passion for open source principles.
- Comfortable working within a goal-oriented, high growth business focused not-for-profit setting.
- Existing network from a diverse set of communities and social media platforms includingLinkedIn and Facebook.
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD), LLB, LLM or equivalent legal qualification, with admission to practiselaw in at least one jurisdiction.
Location of Position
- A fully remote position, the successful candidate will be based in Europe. The Eclipse Foundation is global in scope and is headquartered in Belgium.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- A flexible, remote-friendly work environment within a workforce that is entirely distributed.
- Opportunities to engage with a vibrant, global community of open source leaders contributors and developers.
- Professional growth and learning opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of open sourcesoftware.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted. For more information about Eclipse Foundation, please visit our website at https://eclipse.org/
Eclipse respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, and is committed to
providing accommodation and support to persons with disabilities throughout any recruitment
process, once made aware of a need for accommodation. If you require any special
accommodation or support during the recruitment process, please indicate in your email to us.
