Description:

Description:
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It is why we are coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we are headed. We are proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

Job Summary:
The Director, Legal Counsel is a senior commercial and technology-focused legal advisor who leads complex transactional matters and provides proactive, business-aligned legal guidance across CDW's Services & Solutions and Sales organizations. Reporting to the Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Services & Solutions, this role combines hands-on deal execution with strategic counseling, helping the company negotiate high-value technology transactions, manage legal and compliance risk, and develop scalable contracting frameworks that enable growth and operational efficiency. The Director partners closely with business units, OEM, System Integrators and distribution partners, and global legal colleagues to support high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

What you will do:

Strategic Advisory and Business Partnership

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to Services & Solutions and Sales leadership, providing counsel on business initiatives, market expansion, and operational decisions
Collaborate proactively with stakeholders to ensure CDW builds, sells, delivers, and manages new services and solutions in a manner consistent with CDW's risk profile, financial targets, strategic goals, and contractual obligations
Help simplify and evolve the company's operating model and delivery processes to reduce friction for customers and drive greater efficiency in execution
Support M&A due diligence and integration activities for Solutions & Services acquisitions and strategic partnerships as needed

Commercial Contracting and Negotiations

Lead the negotiation and structuring of complex commercial and technology transactions, including managed services agreements, professional services contracts, technology licensing arrangements, cloud solution agreements, and strategic partnership arrangements
Provide pragmatic, go-to-market legal advice that balances risk mitigation with business agility and competitive positioning
Manage legal and commercial risk in partner, vendor, and subcontractor relationships critical to services delivery
Handle escalated contract negotiations involving material customer relationships and significant revenue impact
Develop and refine standardized contract templates, playbooks, and clause libraries that support scalable and efficient commercial execution

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Support compliance with state, federal, and international regulations affecting services and sales across multiple jurisdictions
Help develop controls and strengthen governance processes that support CDW's continued transformation into a leading digital and services-led technology partner
Monitor evolving regulations affecting technology services, including AI governance, cybersecurity requirements, data privacy (GDPR, CCPA, sector-specific requirements), and industry-specific compliance
Manage IP considerations in services delivery, including customer data rights, developed solutions ownership, and third-party IP compliance

Operational Legal Support

Provide ongoing legal support for services operations, including change orders, service modifications, performance issues, and customer relationship management
Advise on legal aspects of services staffing models, including contractor vs. employee classifications, customer site requirements, and security clearance obligations
Manage and resolve commercial disputes, service delivery claims, and pre-litigation matters in coordination with the broader Legal team
Coordinate with other Legal team members and cross-functional partners to maximize a unified, agile, customer-friendly approach

Team Leadership and Development

While this role does not currently include direct reports, the Director will operate as a senior leader within the Legal team, mentoring and guiding junior attorneys and legal professionals on complex matters as needs arise
As the Solutions & Services business continues to grow, this role may evolve to include direct management of attorneys and legal support staff, with responsibility for hiring, performance management, and professional development
Collaborate effectively with peers across the Legal department and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent, high-quality legal support

Training, Coaching, and Process Improvement

Build capability across the organization by providing training, coaching, and practical guidance to coworkers in Sales, Services & Solutions, and other functions on commercial risk, contract management, and regulatory requirements
Drive continuous improvement in legal processes and champion adoption of legal technology tools to improve contract management and risk assessment

What we expect of you

J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school
12+ years of progressive legal experience with significant focus on technology services, IT consulting, or complex commercial transactions
Licensed to practice law in Illinois (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Extensive experience negotiating and structuring complex technology services agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, outsourcing agreements, licensing agreements, and SaaS/cloud agreements
Strong understanding of managed services, professional services, and cloud services business and delivery models
Working knowledge of data privacy regulations, cybersecurity compliance, and industry-specific requirements across multiple jurisdictions
Experience with international services delivery and cross-border legal considerations, particularly in North America and Europe
Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic advisor in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, influencing outcomes and aligning legal strategy with business objectives
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives
Experience partnering with P&L-responsible business leaders and understanding the financial impact of legal decisions
Exceptional judgment, executive presence, and ability to manage competing priorities across multiple business stakeholders

Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed (optional)

Experience at a major technology services company or in a top-tier international law firm technology practice
International legal experience with multi-jurisdiction teams across Americas, Europe, and other regions
Technology transformation leadership including AI adoption, process automation, and legal technology implementation
Experience developing or managing contract playbooks, template libraries, and legal process automation