Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Lead Counsel, Research

2 days ago San Francisco, CA

Meta's is seeking an experienced attorney with a track record of meeting ambitious targets to join as Lead Counsel to support Research, Data Analytics and Insights across our product lines. Success in this position will require applying complex and evolving global legal frameworks to new and innovative tech products and services bringing AI experiences to users.In this role you will provide front-line legal advice and counsel to researchers and data scientists, whose insights inform product research, usability, development, and improvements. You will help to ensure legal compliance with privacy laws and other legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge issues in a deadline-focused business environment and dynamic regulatory landscape.

Lead Counsel, Research Responsibilities:

  • Provide practical and strategic legal advice and day-to-day counseling support to researchers and data scientists - review and analyze research plans for legal risks, and create durable policies, playbooks, frameworks, and other guidance, to enable research at scale
  • Provide direct support to help structure and implement research programs and their related policies, procedures, and terms and conditions, including drafting and negotiating related agreements with third parties
  • Serve as legal subject matter expert on legal risks associated with research data collection, analysis, and governance (e.g., privacy, consumer protection, product safety, competition, intellectual property and other regulatory risks)
  • Build influential relationships with executives, product teams, and peers across the family of Meta companies
  • Lead consensus-building and drive coordination with other members of legal and business teams across the family of Meta companies
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution
  • Active and in good standing bar license in at least one U.S. state or equivalent foreign bar license. Where the jurisdiction of licensure differs from the location in which the role is based, the ability to promptly obtain permission to practice law for Meta in that location
  • 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney, including at a law firm, in-house, or in government
  • Demonstrated experience providing legal advice on technology, internet, or media products and services
  • Experience with advertising, privacy, data protection, consumer protection, competition, and/or intellectual property laws and regulations
  • Effective communication and legal drafting skills
  • Demonstrated business judgment, client counseling, and strategic thinking skills
  • Proven track record of delivering results with large-scale, cross-functional projects in a deadline-focused environment
  • Experience making decisions in the face of ambiguity and evolving priorities
Preferred Qualifications:

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in San Francisco, CA delivered to your inbox every week.

Job alert subscription

  • Experience with global data privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory issues relevant to AI products, especially including those relevant for social media, internet and technology companies
  • Experience building scalable legal functions and processes, e.g. frameworks, playbooks, product guidance
About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@fb.com.

$202,000/year to $274,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

Client-provided location(s): San Francisco, CA
Job ID: a1KDp00000CZKlcMAH_1008
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-01-08T19:29:01

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • FSA With Employer Contribution
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
    • Some Meals Provided
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Unlimited Paid Time Off
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Pension
    • Company Equity
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    Company Videos

    Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Meta.