Associate Privacy Counsel

Summary

Join Upwork's award-winning legal team as an Associate Privacy Counsel and play a key role in advancing our global privacy and information security program. Partner with stakeholders to provide legal guidance in a fast-paced environment. Monitor evolving global data privacy laws and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements. This remote-first role offers the opportunity to shape the future of privacy at Upwork. You will provide day-to-day legal counsel on privacy and information security, monitor global privacy regulations, draft and negotiate data processing agreements, review privacy considerations in products and technologies, manage the Data Subject Request process, develop internal resources, and support responses to user complaints and regulatory inquiries. Upwork is recognized as Law.com’s “Most Innovative Legal Department” in the U.S. and offers a remote-first work environment.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house role with a focus on privacy and information security compliance
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other international privacy laws
• Proven experience negotiating data processing agreements and drafting legal documentation
• Strong research and communication skills with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into practical business guidance
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. state

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day, risk-based legal counsel on privacy and information security issues in clear, actionable terms that enable business outcomes
• Monitor U.S. and global privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) and lead internal alignment to ensure ongoing compliance
• Draft and negotiate data processing agreements and other privacy-related provisions with clients, vendors, and partners
• Review and advise on privacy considerations in product features, tools, and technologies, offering guidance to mitigate risk while enabling innovation
• Manage and refine the Data Subject Request (DSR) process, driving efficiency and compliance improvements
• Develop internal resources such as training materials, FAQs, and guidance documents to enable scalable legal support
• Support responses to user complaints and regulatory inquiries, representing Upwork with external stakeholders and privacy regulators

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO
• A 401(k) plan with matching
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• An Employee Stock Purchase Plan