Senior Sustainability Counsel

Summary

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job, and there's no telling what you could accomplish.

Do you love tackling big challenges without precedent? Do you possess a deep knowledge of the legal field and a passion for innovation? As a part of Apple's Legal department, you'll help uphold Apple's high ethical and corporate standards. Working for a company that invents entire categories and industries means you'll be challenged to creatively apply your deep legal expertise to rare and often unexplored aspects of the law.

We have a new opportunity for a talented senior lawyer to join our dynamic and experienced Corporate Law team, working at the forefront of global sustainability reporting and corporate governance.

Description

As a member of Apple's Corporate Law group, you will shape and lead Apple's approach to sustainability-related reporting, with particular depth in the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and related European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), IFRS/ISSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards, and TCFD-aligned reporting. You'll also advise on adjacent and emerging regimes, including the EU Taxonomy Regulation and U.S. state climate disclosure laws such as California's SB 253 and SB 261.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys building things from the ground up. You'll help design and stand up the compliance processes and internal playbooks that turn new regulatory requirements into a program the business can actually run. You'll prepare clear, actionable briefings for leadership, and you'll need a working understanding of the programs that generate underlying sustainability data, including materiality assessment processes and assurance readiness, in order to advise effectively on disclosure requirements. You'll also direct and manage outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring their work is well-coordinated with Apple's internal priorities and processes.

We're looking for someone self-directed: comfortable defining the approach where no playbook yet exists, setting priorities independently, and driving work forward without close oversight. You will operate as part of a collaborative global team, translating complex legal requirements into practical guidance for business partners, and you'll help identify opportunities to leverage AI and other emerging tools to track regulatory developments and streamline compliance processes. This role works cross-functionally on a regular basis, including close partnership with Finance and Compliance and Apple’s Values teams on materiality assessments, data governance, and assurance readiness. You must be able to thrive in a dynamic environment and partner effectively across legal teams and with business units in multiple regions and time zones.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 7 years of experience in corporate law and governance with 4+ years in sustainability reporting at a major law firm, in-house, or a regulatory authority
Substantive, hands-on experience applying CSRD/ESRS, ISSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards, and TCFD-aligned reporting requirements in practice
Familiarity with double materiality assessment methodology and third-party assurance processes for sustainability data
Proven track record tracking global regulatory change and delivering strategic legal advice and briefings to senior leadership
Strong analytical capability with attention to detail
Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and coordinate cross-functional initiatives
JD or equivalent and admission to at least one US state bar.

Preferred Qualifications

Combination of prior law firm and in-house experience a plus but not required
Experience building or significantly maturing a compliance process or program from the ground up
Awareness of emerging U.S. state-level climate disclosure requirements and the EU Taxonomy Regulation
Self-starter who takes ownership without needing detailed direction and enjoys working through ambiguity
Experience quickly issue-spotting complex legal questions and communicating clear advice to non-legal audiences
Strong collaboration skills to work across business functions and geographies, including partnering with assurance and sustainability program teams
Experience directing and managing outside counsel across multiple jurisdictions
Curious and comfortable with technology; experience piloting or scaling AI-powered tools to support regulatory tracking or compliance workflows a plus

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $235,100 and $353,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.