Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

The Legal Compliance Organization (LCO) team headquartered in Milpitas, CA and second headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI provides legal guidance to further KLA’s strategic objectives and protect and preserve the legal, ethical and financial integrity and reputation of the Company. With specific expertise in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, employment law, and intellectual property; the LCO offers strategic legal counsel that is informed by a clear understanding of the company’s business objectives and expertise in the laws and regulations relevant to the business worldwide.

Job Description

KLA Corporation (“KLA” or “Company”), a Silicon Valley-based global technology company, is seeking a highly motivated attorney to join KLA’s Legal and Compliance Organization as Lead Legal Counsel (“Counsel”).  This exciting opportunity will be based in our Hsinchu, Taiwan office, reporting directly to Senior Commercial Counsel within KLA’s Legal & Compliance Organization.  The Counsel will be instrumental in the formulation and implementation of the Company’s legal strategies and processes in Taiwan as well as be an important and visible member of the global Commercial and Employment Legal teams in one of the Company’s most valued and growing markets.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to add immediate value on day-to-day commercial technology transactions, including commercial real estate and construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, NDAs, IP development and technology transfer agreements, statements of work, and the like, as well as supporting labor and employment matters and a variety of legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for the Company.  The candidate happiest in this role is someone with a passion to draft, review, and negotiate contracts and support a fast-growing business, willing to be accessible during non-standard working hours from time to time for work in multiple time zones, and who enjoys helping businesses run by providing strong cross-functional legal support to a variety of stakeholders.  The Counsel will also be responsible for working with business and corporate teams to identify issues and developments that arise in other substantive areas of law such as real estate, construction, employment, corporate, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy, FCPA and trade compliance, and coordinate with outside counsel to ensure appropriate management of the matter.  

The Counsel will be required to:     

Gain a solid understanding of Company’s goals and challenges in Taiwan and internationally and identify and implement appropriate legal strategies and processes to facilitate goals and minimize challenges.Identify, analyze, and assess complex issues pertaining to contractual risk.  Exercise judgment and creativity in selecting methods, techniques, and strategies for obtaining prompt resolution to contractual requests.Work with business clients, outside counsel, customers and suppliers to draft and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and technology related transactions, including strategic sales and procurement transactions, joint development agreements, inbound and outbound licensing and/or servicing agreements, nondisclosure agreements, government contracts, and strategic collaboration agreements.Partner with Human Resources and the Global Employment Law team to address day-to-day labor and employment challenges, as well as support strategic labor initiatives.Independently handle or partner with external counsel to manage any litigation or external disputes.Conduct internal investigations on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, allegations of harassment or discrimination, conflicts of interest, misuse of the Company’s Intellectual Property, and violations of Company policy.Be a strong partner with the business and corporate teams while considering and mitigating legal risks, including in connection with government funded opportunities and university investments, channel partner governance, health and safety initiatives, and commercial real estate development activities.Support acquisition integration activities, including sharing and communicating Company-approved policies, best practices, and expectations to affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide regarding contractual matters, working issues with internal stakeholders and external personnel, supporting integration-related system implementation logistics, and assisting with escalation process. Support implementation, use, and execution of Company contract management solution with local users and requestors.Act as interface to government agencies, as necessary.Provide regular, clear communication on legal issues and opportunities to the Legal and Compliance Organization to assist with the identification and mitigation of risks, and the development of appropriate processes and strategies. Occasional travel to international offices.Support the Legal and Compliance Organization on other projects, initiatives, and strategic opportunities as may arise from time-to-time.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Qualification: Law degree from an accredited law school (U.S. law school preferred) and admission to the Taiwan or foreign bar as a member in good standing.Experience: At least 8 years of experience at a U.S. multinational company; semiconductor industry (or closely-related fields) preferred.Language: Fluent in Mandarin and EnglishTechnical skills: Proficiency in commercial and contract law; experience in negotiating and drafting a variety of contracts in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and a firm understanding of challenges facing the Company and the semiconductor industry (or closely-related fields).  Compliance experience including FCPA and trade related issues (such as export control and trade compliance) a plus.Soft skills: Highly-developed interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels of the organization including business executives, and across Company international locations.  Strong and independent demeanor, capable of standing up to business pressures and strong client personalities. Self-motivated and persistent; high degree of comfort exercising independent judgment to obtain best business outcome while containing legal risk. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Mandarin and English and ability to prioritize and work independently.

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.