Sr Legal Counsel

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. 

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards.  Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade. 

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day.  We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary:

We’re seeking a highly motivated and experienced transactional lawyer to join our legal team and support PayPal’s commercial legal team with a focus on agentic commerce initiatives and other strategic commercial work. You will be a key legal advisor and will partner closely with Sales, Product, and other cross‑functional teams to craft deal strategy, analyze business goals and structure agreements, and close complex and high‑impact partnerships with leading merchants and platforms. You’ll move comfortably between strategy and execution, set goals, and deliver results.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead complex projects of diverse scope, driving legal initiatives that support business growth and innovation.
• Participate in complex problem resolution, providing expert legal advice on high-stakes issues and disputes.
• Provide expert legal advice and support, particularly in areas experiencing significant growth such as compliance, data privacy, and litigation support.
• -Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, advising on the implementation of new legal technologies and automation tools.
• Manage legal risks and safeguard PayPal's legal interests, developing comprehensive risk management frameworks.
• Represent PayPal in litigation and other legal proceedings, leading case strategies and ensuring effective representation.

Expected Qualifications:

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience and a Juris doctorate or equivalent degree

What you'll do:
Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements with merchants, platforms, and partners, both in the agentic commerce ecosystem (e.g., OMS and product catalog providers, agent platforms, data providers, model/API suppliers) and across PayPal’s broader commercial initiatives.
Structure transactions across licensing, data use and sharing, AI safety/usage restrictions, product integrations, go‑to‑market, and strategic partnerships.
Provide timely, solution‑oriented advice to business partners on a wide variety of initiatives and issues, including payments, consumer protection, marketing, privacy and data protection, IP, and evolving AI/agent frameworks.
Collaborate with other stakeholders, including Sales, Product, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, Privacy, Finance, and Regional Legal to develop deal strategies and resolve issues quickly.
Translate strategy into action: set goals, drive execution and results both independently and as part of a team, and contribute to the overall success of the legal department and PayPal.
Build and maintain templates, playbooks, fallback positions, and training that simplify and accelerate negotiations.
Manage a high‑volume pipeline: exercise strong risk assessment skills to balance risk thoughtfully with business goals and priorities.
Lead complex non‑agentic commercial deals across PayPal’s products and services as needed.
Improve processes: streamline approvals, clarify roles, and enhance visibility to stakeholders.
Establish strong client relationships building trust and effectively translating complex legal concepts and issues into practical goal focused advice for senior business leaders.
Model excellent judgment and communication; mentor teammates and influence across functions.
Manage outside counsel (as needed) efficiently and effectively, controlling costs and ensuring high-quality legal representation.
What we're looking for:

Required

8+ years leading large commercial transactions for sales or similar functions (in‑house and/or law firm).

Hands‑on demonstrated experience supporting technology, fintech, or financial services companies.

Demonstrated success drafting and negotiating complex sales, marketing, licensing, and partner agreements with external parties.

Proven ability to issue‑spot, propose practical solutions, and drive decisions in a fast‑paced environment.

Excellent negotiation, writing, and interpersonal skills; ability to effectively communicate with senior leadership, cross‑functional stakeholders and external partners.

Strong organization and project management skills; comfortable juggling multiple, time‑sensitive matters.

Preferred

Experience with agentic commerce or adjacent AI technologies (agents, orchestration/automation, model/API integrations).

Payments industry knowledge (e.g., processors, acquirers, networks, wallets, checkout, risk controls, chargebacks, settlement).

Expertise on data rights/usage, privacy, and security terms in commercial agreements.

Product counseling for platform integrations and go‑to‑market arrangements, including co‑marketing and channel partnerships.

Global deal experience and familiarity with regulatory considerations affecting PayPal’s ecosystem.

Subsidiary:

PayPal

Travel Percent:

0

-

PayPal is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.

Actual Compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to work location, and relevant skills and experience.

The total compensation for this practice may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable), equity, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information, visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

The US national annual pay range for this role is $152,500 to $262,350

PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.

For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.

Our Benefits:

At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.

We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

Who We Are:

Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

Belonging at PayPal: 

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.

Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.

We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.