Julian C. Swearengin

Leading all in-house legal and compliance functions for a venture-backed global BSB SaaS business specializing in AI-based cybersecurity solutions.

• Managed annual contract volume exceeding $50M+ by drafting and negotiating complex technology licensing, data-processing, SaaS, and partnership agreements.
• Architected and deployed a privacy-by-design framework, providing critical guidance to product and engineering teams on secure AI feature launches.
• Contributed to successful Series C and convertible note fundraisings by leading due diligence, negotiating term sheets, and coordinating external counsel.
• Streamlined contract management processes by developing standardized templates and implementing a CLM system, reducing review cycles by 40%.
• Oversaw all IP, employment, and litigation matters, effectively controlling outside counsel spend and supporting corporate governance functions, including board materials and equity-incentive grants.

Served as Chief Legal Officer and Executive Leadership Team member for a global B2C/B2B e-commerce, enterprise API-based payment, and floral-services business with $700M in annual sales and 400 employees.

• Oversaw all corporate finance and investor relations matters, contributing to strategic financial initiatives.
• Negotiated over $100M in agreements, including critical enterprise SaaS/API integrations, partnership, marketing, supply chain, and e-commerce contracts.
• Managed the company's global litigation portfolio, encompassing commercial, intellectual property, and employment matters, ensuring robust legal defense.
• Served as Chief Privacy Officer, responsible for global privacy issues and leading a reduction in force and harmonization of policies post-merger.

Served as Chief Legal Officer and Head of People on the Management Committee for an emerging B2G, B2B, and B2C global technology and media company.

• Orchestrated a successful $250,000,000 exit to a strategic buyer, managing all legal aspects of the acquisition.
• Advised the CEO and Board on corporate, governance, and commercial issues, guiding a high-growth tech startup through critical phases.
• Managed multiple successful corporate finance rounds, including a subsidiary spin-off, convertible debt, Series D equity, and venture debt rounds.
• Drafted and negotiated contracts with an annual value of $60,000,000, covering complex SaaS, sponsorship, and marketing agreements.
• Managed global litigation and privacy/data protection portfolios, and advised on all enterprise-wide policies, corporate governance, compliance, and employee relations matters.

Managed a large and diverse portfolio of regulatory, contract, investment, privacy, and policy matters for a national bank with banking, trust, private wealth, and asset management subsidiaries.

• Reduced Legal Department budgeting and reserving processes by 40%, optimizing overall spend.
• Reviewed and negotiated approximately $60,000,000 annually in complex commercial contracts, including SaaS agreements and technology services.
• Managed outside counsel relationships, negotiating fee agreements and billing guidelines to determine optimal case strategies.
• Led and mentored a team of 9 internal lawyers, paralegals, and compliance professionals, achieving a 90% retention rate over three years.
• Served as Chief Privacy Officer, holding CIPP (US) certification, and advising data breach response teams on global privacy and data protection issues.

Taught advanced legal courses focused on regulatory investigations and securities litigation within the financial services sector.

• Developed and delivered curriculum for 'Regulatory Investigations' and 'Securities Litigation from a Defense Perspective' courses.
• Educated law students on complex legal actions targeting banks and financial institutions, preparing them for real-world legal challenges.
• Provided practical insights into defense strategies and regulatory compliance within the financial services industry.

Managed a large and diverse portfolio of high-risk litigation and regulatory matters across investment banking, capital markets, banking, private wealth, and asset management businesses.

• Successfully managed a complex portfolio of high-risk litigation and regulatory matters, safeguarding the firm's interests across diverse financial sectors.
• Provided critical legal counsel on investment banking and capital markets operations, mitigating significant legal and compliance risks.
• Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex legal challenges, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Developed and implemented strategies for managing legal exposures in private wealth and asset management, enhancing operational compliance.