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Opportunities > Legal Counsel / Ethical Navigator

Legal Counsel / Ethical Navigator

Champion ethical innovation at Mpalo. Provide expert legal guidance on AI law, data privacy, intellectual property, and help steer our company with a strong moral compass.

About the Role at Mpalo (1-2 Positions Available)

As Legal Counsel and Ethical Navigator at Mpalo, you will play a critical role in guiding our pioneering AI venture through the complex and rapidly evolving legal and ethical landscape. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping our approach to intellectual property, data privacy (including GDPR), AI regulations, corporate governance, and employment law, particularly as it relates to our unique coworker share model. Beyond traditional legal counsel, you will serve as a key advisor on ethical considerations, ensuring Mpalo's innovations and operations remain aligned with our core principles of human-centric AI, transparency, and user empowerment. You will be instrumental in building a legally sound and ethically robust foundation for Mpalo's growth and impact.

We are looking for one or two foundational legal experts who are passionate about the intersection of law, ethics, and cutting-edge technology.

What You'll Do:

  • Provide comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of matters including AI ethics and regulation, data protection (GDPR), intellectual property, commercial contracts, corporate law, and employment law.
  • Develop and implement legal and ethical frameworks, policies, and compliance programs for Mpalo's operations and AI development.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements, including technology licenses, partnership agreements, customer contracts, and employment contracts.
  • Advise on the legal structuring and implementation of Mpalo's unique 20% coworker share and 5% collective budget programs.
  • Monitor and analyze evolving laws, regulations, and ethical best practices relevant to AI, data privacy, and technology in Germany, the EU, and globally.
  • Conduct legal research and provide proactive advice to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
  • Collaborate closely with the founder and research teams to integrate legal and ethical considerations into product development and research initiatives.
  • Represent Mpalo's legal and ethical positions to external stakeholders when necessary.

What We're Looking For:

Essential Legal Expertise:
  • Law degree (Staatsexamen, LL.M., or equivalent) and qualification to practice law in Germany or another relevant jurisdiction.
  • Proven experience as legal counsel, preferably with in-house experience in a technology company or a law firm practice focused on tech, IP, or data privacy.
  • Strong knowledge of German and EU law, particularly in areas of data protection (GDPR), IP law, contract law, and corporate law.
  • Demonstrable interest in and understanding of the legal and ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
  • Excellent analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills.
  • Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in German is highly advantageous.
Qualities That Define Our Navigator:
  • Strong Ethical Compass: A deep-seated commitment to ethical principles and responsible innovation.
  • Forward-Thinking & Proactive: Ability to anticipate future legal and ethical challenges in the AI domain.
  • Pragmatic Problem-Solver: Skill in finding practical, legally sound solutions that align with business objectives and ethical values.
  • Excellent Communicator: Ability to explain complex legal and ethical concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.
  • Intellectual Curiosity: Eagerness to learn about new technologies and their societal implications.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Works effectively with diverse teams and values interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Integrity & Sound Judgment: Unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ethical standards.

What Mpalo Offers You:

  • Competitive Salary & Benefits: An attractive compensation package, reflective of your experience and the critical nature of this role. (Specifics to be discussed during the interview process).
  • Groundbreaking Coworker Share Program: Full participation in Mpalo's model where 20% of company resources are collectively dedicated to all coworkers. This comprises:
    • 15% for Coworker Shares: A significant portion of company revenue is allocated to a share program, distributed equally amongst all coworkers, making everyone a direct financial stakeholder in Mpalo's journey.
    • 5% Collective Coworker Budget: A fund managed by coworkers. The history of purchases will be transparent to all. Larger purchases will require consensus, and all expenditures are reviewed by a validation team. Initially, these resources will bolster research and team development efforts. When Mpalo establishes a physical office, this budget will be used to collaboratively create an enhanced work environment, funding team-chosen improvements from office personalizations to shared amenities.
  • Unparalleled Well-being Support: Our commitment to preventing burnout and fostering holistic well-being applies to all coworkers, with support for personal and creative pursuits.
  • Remote-First & Flexible Work Environment: Work from your preferred location with the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life.
  • Pivotal Strategic Impact: Directly shape the legal and ethical DNA of an innovative AI company from its foundational stages.
  • A Culture of Purpose & Integrity: Join a mission-driven team where ethical considerations are paramount, and your work contributes to responsible technological advancement.

To Help Us Understand You Better:

In addition to your CV and a cover letter outlining your legal experience and your perspective on the intersection of AI, law, and ethics, please provide thoughtful responses (approx. 250-500 words each) to the following questions. Your insights into these areas are highly valued.

  1. Navigating AI's Legal Frontier: Mpalo is committed to innovation while upholding strong ethical principles. How do you foresee navigating the evolving legal landscape for AI, particularly concerning privacy (GDPR), intellectual property, and liability, in a way that supports innovation yet firmly adheres to our values?
  2. Structuring for Shared Success: Our company model includes a significant 20% resource allocation for coworkers (profit/equity share and collective budgets). What are the key legal considerations and potential frameworks you think are important for implementing such a model transparently, fairly, and in compliance with German law (or general best practices if focusing on a broader scope)?
  3. Art, AI, and IP: One of Mpalo's philosophical stances is that the creation of art should remain a distinctly human endeavor, even as we explore AI's capabilities. How might this principle intersect with intellectual property law in the age of generative AI? What is your perspective on protecting human artistry while acknowledging AI's role as a tool?
  4. The Ethical Navigator's Role: Beyond strict legal compliance, how do you envision the role of a Legal Counsel / Ethical Navigator in proactively shaping a company's culture and decision-making processes to ensure that ethical considerations are deeply embedded in its DNA, especially in a fast-moving field like AI?

Please compile your CV, cover letter, and responses to these questions into a single PDF document.

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