Senior Legal Counsel
Arista Networks
Company Description
Arista Networks is a global leader in cloud networking solutions, recognized for pioneering software-driven, data-centric approaches to high-performance networking. Our award-winning platforms are deployed in mission-critical environments across hyperscale data centers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and enterprise campuses.
With a culture built on innovation, collaboration, and trust, Arista has grown rapidly to become a trusted partner to many of the world’s most sophisticated organizations. As we continue to expand in Europe, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Commercial Counsel to join our legal team and play a key role in supporting our growth across the EU.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
The Senior Commercial Counsel will serve as a trusted legal partner to Arista’s business teams throughout Europe and globally, providing expert guidance on a broad spectrum of legal and compliance issues. This role requires a commercially minded lawyer with deep experience in structuring and negotiating complex agreements, serving as trusted advisor to business leaders on legal matters, and partnering with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, international environment.
The successful candidate will bring strong legal expertise, sound judgment, and a pragmatic approach to balancing legal risks with business objectives. This is a high-impact role with visibility across senior leadership, offering the opportunity to shape and influence the legal framework that supports Arista’s continued European and global expansion.
What You'll Do
- Commercial Transactions
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements, including customer sales contracts, channel partner agreements, procurement agreements, technology licensing arrangements, and professional services engagements.
- Provide business-oriented legal advice to sales, finance, operations, and product teams throughout contract lifecycles.
- Regulatory and Compliance
- Partner with Arista’s compliance and other legal teams to advise on EU and member-state regulatory requirements affecting Arista’s operations.
- Support compliance initiatives including GDPR, export controls, and anti-bribery/anti-corruption programs.
- Risk Management & Dispute Resolution
- Identify, assess, and communicate legal risks while proposing practical solutions to business stakeholders.
- Manage and coordinate external counsel in disputes, regulatory inquiries, or specialized subject matters.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with senior executives and business leaders across the company, acting as a strategic partner to drive growth while protecting Arista’s legal and ethical standards.
- Contribute to the development of internal processes, templates, and training programs to enhance efficiency and compliance awareness.
Qualifications
- Law degree and qualification to practice law in at least one EU jurisdiction.
- 10+ years of legal experience, including a combination of training at a reputable international law firm and in-house counsel experience with a multinational corporation.
- Fluency in English
- Strong track record advising on commercial transactions, international contracting, and cross-border legal issues.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, practical advice for business audiences.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions and functions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluency in German (both written and spoken), and experience in negotiating
- Experience in negotiating agreements under German law with service providers, government entities, and/or large enterprise customers.
- Industry background in technology, telecommunications, or other innovation-driven sectors.
- Strong experience with intellectual property issues in commercial contracts.